HomeMy WebLinkAbout990940.tiff RECEIVED
d JAN 13 1999
T WELD CUN1Y
PUBLIC WORKS DEPT
Weld �,�,l1nty Plannin Weld County Referral
JAN 1 3 1999 January 12, 1999
•
COLORADO u li O
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By January 25, 1999 Planner Sheri Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility (Paint Ball Field).
Legal Union Colony Subdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15, T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location West of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
•
This referral is being resubmitted for review because of the following changes made by the applicant.
1. The maximum number of people permitted shall be 60 instead of 40.
2. The site shall include only that area outlined on the enclosed map.
My comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply
by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with
the request.
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 2, 1999
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Comments:
Signature _ v h di-► N". 9/ Date1
I ,_ 3 - �j
Agency 19}4.144./2- ((�
*Weld County Planning Dept. +1400 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 rr(970)353-6100 ext.3540 4(970)352-6 EXJ4113IT
990940 1 i
MEMORANDUM
TO: Sheri Lockman, Current Planner DATE: January 8, 1999
WI I g
• FROM: Donald Carroll, Engineering Administrator 9/
COLORADO
SUBJECT: USR-1208; Harry Karre
The Weld County Public Works Department has reviewed this proposal; the following requirements are
recommended to be a part of any approval:
REQUIREMENTS:
Access is from East 18th Street (US 34 Business). The State has jurisdiction over all accesses to the State
Highways. Please contact Gloria Hice-Idler or Tess Jones at the Colorado Department of Transportation Greeley
Office to verify the access permit or for any additional requirements that may be needed to obtain or upgrade the
permit.
The privately maintained access lane shall be a graded and drained road to provide all weather access.
Adequate parking to accommodate 60 players shall be identified on the plat. The applicant has requested that
players carpool to the facility to reduce parking requirements. The applicant is requesting the parking areas remain
natural and not have a commercial look.
cc: USR-1208
plan26
Weld County Planning Dept.
JAN 1 3 1999
FTIU!. 0
•
APPENDIX B
WELD COUNTY ROAD ACCESS INFORMATION SHEET
eld County Public Works Department Date: • S 12-0
'33 North 11th Avenue,P.O.Box 758, Greeley,CO 80632
Phone: (970)356-4000,Ext.3750 Fax: (970)352-2868
1. Applicant Name frees—cat,t4 `( is Pc.' Pr(tituu Phone 39 S —O(.f.A-
Address '7 n9 4-311.0 At r. City 6 -LUkaf State Zip ROtT4-
2. Address or location of access ", >4O e 24-ia' St t+(t$Et E4i t CO Ai,31
Section i S Township s N Range (o-r+
Subdivision Block
Eat
Weld County Road # '18a"Sr. Side of Road R Distance from nearest•intersection rV t ."I iE.
3. Is there an existing access to the property? Yes-__L_ No #of accesses I
4. Proposed Use: ; Industrial
O Permanent O Residential/Agricultural Commercial O Other
O Temporary O Subdivision c
5. Site Sketch I BS\/�5 I t
for Access Description: I8•n+ Sr . 1Z.
TR:p
Agricultural p i •:•
Residential d
O&Gs Oil&Gas M
D.R. = Ditch Road ff��
yy ut'
1 t
J �
- II In
OFFICE USE ONLY: SSG. Date 1 4411u. Accidents Date
Road EMIT I S 41-ADT_ Accidents Date
Road ADT_ Date
Drainage Requirement Culvert Size Length
Special Conditions
O Installation authorized O Information Insufficient
Title:
Reviewed By:
7
JAN-14-99 THU 11 :26 CITY OF EVANS FAX NO. 3033395344 P. 01
•
irrHo‘o
Weld County Referral
Q January 12, 1999
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By January 25, 1999- Planner Sheri Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility(Paint Ball Field).
Legal Union Colony Subdivision,Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15,T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location West of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
....cwt
•
This referral is being resubmitted for review because of the following changes made by the applicant.
1. The maximum number of people permitted shall be 60 instead of 40.
2. The site shall include only that area outlined on the enclosed map.
Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply
by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with
the request
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing(if applicable) February 2, 1999
O We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
e the have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. — CtrL'Oi. ntr
zys
See attached letter.
Comments:Platt t (-14444,(.4 I,�ti< 09" trAie&LthI , i i.M orta t th1.1_ n u/m t"
L?LA wQ 2 kt a {.014 a.rnd 1n6t,¢r 'tfi E,Gf at 1-(60
Levi pa et .
Signature 11:6//11$ ! '. 4 f -I !J Date ! !/y 199
Agency <I(4- c p `Z -
eWeld County Planning Dept. 41400 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 6(970)353-6100 ex1.3540 4(970)352-6312 tax
Veil SIT
01/14/99 1L:31 TX/RX N0.4113 P.001 ■
6
f it t Wt:'
Weld County Referral
0 January 12, 1999
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By January 25, 1999 Planner Sheri Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility (Paint Ball Field).
Legal Union Colony Subdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15, T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location West of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
This referral is being resubmitted for review because of the following changes made by the applicant.
1. The maximum number of people permitted shall be 60 instead of 40.
2. The site shall include only that area outlined on the enclosed map.
Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply
by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with
the request.
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 2, 1999
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
❑ See attached letter
`_ q Ace I �f C�� '^ ^ C r '' ;Comments:
11 A j a ►�P/Dila* �- A�
Signature al ��(��� Date I • I ST R°
Agency " _ br S 1
:•Weld County Planning Dept. t1400 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 (970)353-6100 ext.3540 •.(970)353- EXHIBIT
I 1 5 .
lt T coy., Planning Dept.
e Weld County Referral 111Dc
e erral
JAN 181997 January 12, 1999
COLORADO H. i4-- .
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By January 25, 1999 Planner Sheri Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility (Paint Ball Field).
Legal Union Colony Subdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15, T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location West of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
This referral is being resubmitted for review because of the following changes made by the applicant.
1. The maximum number of people permitted shall be 60 instead of 40.
2. The site shall include only that area outlined on the enclosed map.
Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply
by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with
the request.
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 2, 1999
❑J4'e have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
❑ See attached letter.
Comments:
AtyH ?et rtAA.V\IE �J` !14CiunszS FLIZwro th t)u, t.,LS S'ict. vvuoSI
(lIAvk. 1\vt, isv.z25PAc_t Qs..tx,cto Dt:t„€ 3 9 744e_ G A1.
Signature .._3\) A vtf ter__ t', t Date — I c�_ �T I
Agency Ga(.J -(J j6 co T23t
+Weld County Planning Dept. 4-1400 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 4(970)353-6100 ext.3540 4(970)35 EXHIBIT
1,
TR0M: CI Y OF -EELEY FPX MO . : 9703509800 01-29-99 12:20P P .02
a OFFICE F COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1
City of 1100 10TH STREET,GREELEY,COLORADO 80631 (970)350-9780 FAX (970)350-9800
Greeley
January 28, 1999
Sheri Lockman
Weld County Planning Department
1400 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO. 80631
RE: Weld County Case # USR-1208, (Amended)
Dear Sheri,
The City of Greeley Planning Commission at its regularly scheduled meeting
January 12, 1999 reviewed the above referenced case. In a vote of 5 to 0
recommend denial of the use by special review. The recommendation for denial
is based on the 5O% increase of customers and the intense incompatibility of the
proposed use with the natural wildlife habitat as addressed in the letter dated
January 21, 1999 from Larry Rogstad of the Division of Wildlife.
The Greeley Planning Department appreciates the opportunity to comment on
this project If you have any questions, or if I may be of any assistance please
contact me at 3504784-
Sincerely,
:a11-1O" ^/
/4-4--C-1-C„.
Debbie de Besche
Planner It
EXHIBIT
171
01/29/99 12:31 TX/RX NO.4317 P.002
•lit CC jailigin Sheri Lockman
Weld County Planning January 20, 1999
Q: Sheble McConnellogueEnvironmental Protection Services
•
COLORADO Case Number: USR-1208 (updated) Name: Karre, Henry
Environmental Protection Services has reviewed this proposal. According to your Department and
the applicant, this site lies in the floodway. The applicant has proposed a port-a-potty for the site.
In reviewing similar uses in the past, our Department has required that a permanent privy (similar
to those seen in campgrounds) be constructed at the site for capturing sewage. However, the
Colorado Guidelines on Individual Sewage Disposal Systems prohibit the installation of a septic
system in the floodway. A privy is considered a septic system. As a result, we will be
recommending that the site provide a port-a-potty whenever patrons are visiting the site.
In addition, we recommend that the following conditions be part of any approval:
1. All liquid and solid wastes shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that
protects against surface and groundwater contamination.
2. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site.
3. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls fugitive
dust, blowing debris, and other potential nuisance conditions.
4. Fugitive dust shall be controlled on this site.
5. The maximum permissible noise level shall not exceed the commercial limit of 60 db(A) as
measured according to 25-12-102, Colorado Revised Statutes.
6. Port-a-potty's shall be provided at all times when either patrons or employees are present
at the site. In the event a large group reserves the facility, the facility shall provide more
port-a-pottys according to the number of players.
7. The facility shall provide bottled drinking water to employees and patrons.
SMl189
�1� fi Jul ir,„ ,a!i3f`?;T,w+.:' f ewot,
EXHIBIT AN L '' t��'�i9
i n� `i,
12/17/98 08:21 FAX 970 352 2888 WELD PUBLIC WORK 0001
Past-1t'Fax Note 7671 Oat/3 /rf 1 ®
. .y v From a.� d[t/
To oSrN�7.r77mrL "'—'t '.
Artizi"411
Phone 1 nrl co. _ ilrc `f�y
Phone k
Fax"_352-63/ 2 Fax n o2-a8h?
Weld County Referral
November 16, 1998
•
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By December 7, 1998 Planner Sheri Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility (Paint Ball Field)_ _
Legal Union Colony Subdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located In the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15, T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M.,Weld County, Colorado.
Location West Of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
•
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you
consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may
give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be
deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services If you have any further questions
regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) January 5, 1999
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
❑ See attached letter
Comments: Pursuant to Ordinance 169A, if noxious weeds exist on the property or
become established as a result of the proposed development, the applicant/
landowner shall be responsible for controlling the noxious weeds.
Signature Date
Agency T .
:•Weld county Planning IoepL +1400 N. 17th Ave.Greeley.CO.9ocai .&(970)353-6100 ext 540 0(970)352-6312 tax
EXHIBIT
19
12/17/98 08:28 TX/RX NO.3789 P.001
r r . ', ,7
DEC 2 1.,93
Y ft& Weld County Referral
O November 16, 1998
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By December 7, 1998 Planner Shed Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility(Paint Ball Field).
Legal Union Colony Subdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15, T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location West of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you
consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may
give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be
deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions
regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing(if applicable) January 5, 1999
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
J See attached letter.
Comments:
Signature arCJWA M C k 44., Date D tsc 1 € (tge)%Agency cAkittS oc €1+Y. taw"5 wr cvu�
+Weld County Planning Dept. +1400 N.17th Ave Greeley,CO.00631 +(970)353-6100 ext3540 4(970)352-6312 tax EXHIBIT
1 ao
ZOO((ij 'I'd Co:ZT 86/II/ti
gNT of DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
•4.::4\4, A CORPS OF ENGINEERS, OMAHA DISTRICT
4 Z TRI-LAKES PROJECT OFFICE, 9307 STATE HWY 121
LITTLETON, COLORADO 90129-4901
Lr \'P REPLY TO December 18, 1998
ATTENTION OF:
Ms. Sheri Lockman
Weld County Department of Planning Services
Weld County Administrative Offices
1400 North 17th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
RE: Henry Karre Paint Ball Field, Corps File #199880992
Dear Ms. Lockman:
Reference is made to the site specific development plan and use by special review
permit for a public recreational facility located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Township 5
North, Range 65 West, Weld County, Colorado.
If any work associated with this project requires the placement of dredged or fill
material, and any excavation associated with a dredged or fill project, either temporary or
permanent, in streams or wetlands at this location, this office should be contacted by a
proponent of the project for proper Department of the Army permits or changes in permit
requirements pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
If there are any questions concerning this matter, contact Mr. Terry McKee of this
office at 303-979-4120 and reference Corps file #199880992.
Sincerely,
Tim y . Carey
Operatio s Manager
rb
,,,..r��^^^ 9703502198 CDOT TRRFFIC 196 P02 JAN 22 '99 11:22 6 e1
/ . .....
C
lei )i Weld County Referral I
3
January 12, 1999
J
r
CO i
The weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item fur review. o
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208 I -ty
Please Reply Sy January 25,1909 Planner Shed Lotman ^N
Project. A Site Specific Development Plan and use by Special Review Permit for a Public �`— S
Recreational Facility(Paint Ball Field) I
Legal Union Colony Sutxdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 12,3 p
and 4, located in the NE4 SEA, being part of Section 15, T5N,RBSW of the 6th N -0E-
P P.M . Weld County, Colorado. Sd ±
N
Location west of and adjacent to 16th Street and north of State Hwy 34 r Q
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044 +- N
Thin referral is being resubmitted for review because of the following changes made by the applicant
1. The maximum number of people permitted shall be GO Instead of 40. e
2. The site shall include only that area outlined on the enclosed map. L
Any comments or recommendation you consider retard to this request would be appreciated. Please reply
V) li
by the above listed date sa that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning d
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application,please call the Planner associated with
the request. -P
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing(if applicable) February 2, 1999 k9 + L
❑ We reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehene4ve Plan S -p`f`'
❑ Will have reviewed The request and find no conflicts with our interests.
ASee attached letter. Cr,
Comments: 1e r 1 7
?-ru i ous {Cafe c volurnts n eiiAACCSSCA Of m asswn i rid, ass
a1runcry Itiq}5'). Waa, C1 1Lettss -hi. volume. is al- tens+ 20% t
great'— IMC$.0 (&lion+ fkr crla.rtc4 of tWM re red .
Signabrre r t,f,2 'IcL Date nnel
2 Ct ....._..
AgAgency _. ni-
*Weld county Planning Dept 01400 N.17th Ave.CiwNry,CO.80631 awe)3045100 a 13510 sere)3528312 In
'00® XVI B
I Al
01/22/99 11:28 TX/RX NO.4224 P.002 .
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C, Weld County Referral
C
January 12, 1999
COLORADO
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant Henry Karre Case Number USR-1208
Please Reply By January 25, 1999 Planner Sheri Lockman
Project A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Public
Recreational Facility (Paint Ball Field).
Legal Union Colony Subdivision, Lots 1 and 2, located in the NW4 SE4 and Lots 1,2,3
and 4, located in the NE4 SE4, being part of Section 15, T5N, R65W of the 6th
P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location West of and adjacent to 18th Street and north of State Hwy 34.
Parcel Number 0961 15 000044
a
This referral is being resubmitted for review because of the following changes made by the applicant.
1. The maximum number of people permitted shall be 60 instead of 40.
2. The site shall include only that area outlined on the enclosed map.
Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply
by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with
the request.
Weld County Planning Commission Hearing (if applicable) February 2, 1999
❑ We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan
❑ We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
a See attached letter.
Comments:
copy sP,,,-1 -j, C,"1, (A Li'rov toy Cop 6 tj'F, )
Signature -j-\. V _` — Date �,c, 4
Agency J3 ,.c `;)(4 • ),111,1t:
+Weld County Planning Dept. +1400 N. 17th Ave.Greeley,CO.80631 0(970)353-6100 ext.3540 O(970)352-6 EKHISIT
I as
e Ud1S1Dy e•
of" `, ~a
STATE OF COLORADO
Roy Romer, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES P
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE o0
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
John W.Mumma, Director YEA
6060 Broadway January 21, 1999 Ia97 199
Denver, Colorado 80216 OF MANAGING
Telephone: 1303) 297-1192 YOUR WILDLIFE
Larry Rogstad, District Wildlife Manager
1528 28th Avenue Court
Greeley,Colorado 80631 Phone 970-352-2143
Sheri Lockman, Planner Re: USR-1208, Henry Kane
Weld County Planning Department
1400 North 17th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
Dear Sheri,
Thank you for the referral concerning the Special Review Permit for a Paint Ball
Field on the Henry Karre property, east of Greeley. I reviewed the material in the
packet you sent, and visited the site this morning. Because of the many times I have
been on the Kane farm during my years as a District Wildlife Manager, I am very
familiar with this parcel. In this letter you will find the Division of Wildlife
recommendations on this proposal.
The entire site under consideration is situated in the flood zone along the north bank
of the South Platte River. The site would be described as low elevation cottonwood-
willow riparian habitat. From a wildlife standpoint, this habitat type is the most
important wildlife habitat, in terms of species diversity and abundance, found in our
State. A high water table and periodic flooding influence soils and plant species
living in riparian areas. The river bottom corridor in this area is predominated by an
open stand of cottonwood and willow trees interspersed with box elder, green ash
and miscellaneou.s "volunteer species" from urban seed sources upstream.
Understory wood.y plants include sandbar willow, snowberry, wild rose, and poison
ivy. Phragmites, Bluejoint reedgrass, Inland salty-ass and prairie cordgrass are
characteristic of the wet meadows found along the South Platte. Cattails, sedge,
reed and aquatic plants typify side channels, sloughs and wetlands along the river.
Periodic flooding carries in a variety of grass and forb seeds, increasing diversity of
the plant community.
CEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES,James S.Lochhead, Executive Director
WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Arnold Salazar, Chairman•Mark LeValley, Secretary•Jesse Langston Boyd, Jr., Member
Rebecca L. Frank, Member•William R. Hegberg, Member•James R.Long,Member•John Stulp, Member•Louis F. Swift, Member
2
Because this parcel is situated within the low elevation riparian corridor, it should be
considered extremely important wildlife habitat. My short visit to the property
seemed to verify this fact. While on site 1 flushed two Great Horned Owls from
trees, flushed a small flock of ducks from the slough and geese from a sandbar
across the river. I saw ample tracks, scat and sign of : wild turkey, raccoon, skunk,
coyote, red fox, deer and miscellaneous small mammals and beaver throughout the
property. 1 saw several species of songbirds including: Belted Kingfisher, Bluejay,
chickadees, misc. sparrows, and northern oriole nests. Deer found on the parcel
would include both Whitetail and Mule Deer. Because of heavy vehicle traffic
along US Highway 34 on the south bank of the river, the north bank of
and other
this area is of even greater importance for wildlife. Deer, turkey, coy
species that move up and down river throughout the year seek the additional cover
and safety afforded by the relatively isolated north bank. The open area found mid
property seems to concentrate deer seeking the warmth of the sun on cold mid
winter mornings. For years while driving along Highway 34, 1 have stopped to glass
the opening for dleer on this snow covered open meadow. Wintering Bald Eagles
regularly use this stretch of the South Platte for hunting and as roost sites. I have
also on many occasions counted a winter flock of Rio Grand Turkeys that roost in
nearby trees and forage in this opening. I have counted up to 37 birds on Mr.
Karre's pasture. This past November my high count was 15 hens, four Jakes
(yearling males) and six Toms close to the hen flock. After the spring gobble
(breeding cycle), turkeys disperse up and down river to nest. Because of heavy
winter use this site should be considered critical winter habitat for several species.
In addition to the section of the South Platte River, there is a small side channel
slough running west to east along the north side of parcel. This slough is an
additional source of permanent water, which may
tinue b consideredto flowd rung the
habitat
coldest periods If this is the case, the slough should
for waterfowl and other wildlife requiring open water during mid winter storms. As
a result of heavy grazing pressure over the years, the pasture grass has been reduced
in quality and quantity and there are many bare spots on site with little vegetation or
ground cover. Fragile, sandy soils exposed periodically to flooding are extremely
p susceptible
these areasunderstory
become even more open for weed invasion.
invasion by noxious weeds. As grass pasture quality and cover
On my visit to the site, it was apparent that paint ball competitions have been
ongoing for some time. Many of the trees were heavily marked with a variety of
color splotches from paint balls. The ground was littered with gelatin
p aint that the shelsite
some of them still contained paint. I spoke with you by phone to
had not been used during the last couple of months. Therefore the applicant's
3
statement that, "paint is water based it does not last more than a few hours on a
surface and the gelatin shells of the paintballs are gone less than a week," is
incorrect. I can tell you from experience with illegal paintball shoots on State
Wildlife Areas I manage, that in certain conditions paint spots will remain on trees
and other objects for a long time. There were also a few paintball holders,
cardboard and blown down signs littering the property. Several foxholes had been
excavated in the sandy soil. Boards, an old box, a car hood and a variety of objects
were set u to serve as shields on the field of combat. It was evident foot traffic had further damaged the grass at human
stand and woody understory.
The Division is concerned that if permitted, the paintball gatherings will make this
site less attractive for wildlife. Heavy human use, several days per week will make
this essential winter habitat unsuitable for wintering wild turkey, deer and other
species. Deer pushed from the site may be forced to use the south side of the river,
which may result in increase chance of car/deer accidents on this stretch of Highway
34. The Division is concerned that paintball gelatin capsules, empty or full, may
pose a potential health hazard for ground foraging animals, especially turkey. The
Division is concerned that the loss of grass cover due to human activity and
excavation of"foxholes" will result in colonization of the site by noxious weeds
including but not limited to: Leafy Spurge, Canada Thistle, Scotch Thistle,
Knapweed, Puncture Vine and Whitetop. If this occurs neighboring property will
eventually suffer invasion. Since there is a legal obligation to control noxious
weeds, Mr. Kane may eventually face a costly and time consuming control effort.
Based on these concerns, the Division of Wildlife would suggest that from a natural
resources/wildlife standpoint, that it would be better if this site were not opened as a
paintball field as proposed. Undoubtedly, it would have a negative impact on
wildlife currently in the area. However, we recognize that many factors will be
considered during the permitting process and ultimately the special use may be
approved. If this occurs, the Division of Wildlife would recommend the following
be incorporated into the special use permit in an attempt to lessen negative impact
to the natural resources that are so important to Weld County and the State of
Colorado:
❖ That the site not be used for paintball events from October 15 through March 15
of each calendar year. This would preserve the site as critical wildlife habitat during
the winter months when wildlife stress should be minimized to increase survival.
❖ Alternatively, if paintball events are permitted during the critical winter months,
human access should be limited to between 10:00am and 3:30pm. This would allow
wildlife using the open meadow in early morning time to escape the stress of
4
encroaching humans during the coldest part of the day. It would also allow animals
to access the site to roost or bed down before sunset.
The number of players allowed each day should be restricted so that damage to
vegetation will be minimized. There is already evidence of damage at the current
use level (10-15 players/day according to the applicant). Raising the number to
40/day will certainly increase damage to vegetation that may have long term impacts
to the habitat (noxious weeds, erosion etc.). Therefore the Division would
recommend that use be permitted at no more than current levels. Alternatively, the
applicant and Weld County could establish a maximum number of player days/year
allowed for the site. The operator could then have larger groups with fewer total
days of use. This system would be analogous to the Holistic Resource Grazing
Method in which pastures are grazed at high intensity for short duration, which
ultimately allows the residual vegetation greater recovery time.
The operator should be prevented from excavating any more "foxholes."
Furthermore, the six to ten "foxholes" currently
found
low elevation onsite
should
be
filled
ill d in and
reseeded with grass seed mixtures appropriate to
habitat.
The bank of the South Platte River on the south edge of the parcel should be
roped off to prevent human access during paintball contests. The riverbank is
composed of sandy, loose soil extremely susceptible to erosion. It can also be a
safety issue. From experience I can tell you that it is often difficult to crawl out of
the water along steep sandy riverbanks especially would the water is e marked and designated
ld.
❖ Significant stands of wild rose and snowberry
as off limits to players in an effort to minimize long term negative impacts to woody
understory vegetation. The applicant mentions plans for planting additional plants
on site. Before acquiring seed or plant stock, the operator should consult with the
Division of Wildlife, theWeld County Weed Inspector or the US Dept.
of
Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (N should S) officee in periodically
to
obtain a list of suitable species for the site. The applicant
interseed suitable grass seed in an attempt to repair
Pu Purpledamage
ife and misc.heavy
use sites. Russian Olive, Salt Cedar (tamarisk), rpe Loose
m
species should not be used in river bottom plantings. Plantings of nonnative flowers
should be avoided unless approved by the NRCS or Weld Weed Inspector.
The use of cardboard for shields, barricades or flooring should be prohibited on
site. Signs should be affixed to plywood or boards prior to installation. Signs
should not be attached to trees.
❖ Customers using the facility must be advised that shooting paintballs at or
harassing wildlife in any manner should be grounds for immediate and permanent
expulsion from the site. Harassing wildlife is a statutory violation that will be
aggressively pursued by Division Officers. Furthermore feeding wildlife, including
table scraps, shall be prohibited.
5
❖ Failure to remove trash at the end of each workday should be considered a
violation of the special use permit, and result in temporary or permanent closure of
the facility. � trash left around will attract and possibly harm wildlife.
❖ The Division would request, that as part of the special use permit, that upon
finding dead, sick or injured wildlife, the applicant must immediately contact the
local Division of'Wildlife Officer (within 24 hours), and be available to assist in
carcass recovery. Division of Wildlife personnel would also request, on an ongoing
basis, access to the site during normal business hours to monitor impacts to natural
resources on site.
The applicant should be made aware that if it can be shown that paintball
capsules, full or empty, cause the death of any wildlife, the Division 10 i dl Wildlife may
seek compensation for the loss to the State's resource, through
The Division of Wildlife appreciates the efforts of the applicant and Weld County
Planning Department in designing a recreational facility that may operate with
minimal damage to precious natural resources. Obviously, the Division has
concerns about the impact this special use may have to the wildlife resource. We
would be happy to discuss any questions that you or the applicant may have. Please
call me at 970-352-2143 if I can be of further service.
Best Regards,
Larry Rogsta
v f
cc. Dave Clarkson, Area Wildlife Manager, DOW
Mike Sherman, Habitat Biologist, DOWNE
file
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