"South Park" Concept Master Plan - A Community Visioning Process August 21, 2009
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“South Park”
Concept Master Plan
A Community Visioning Process
August 21, 2009
“South Park”
Concept Master Plan
A Community Visioning Process
August 21, 2009
Acknowledgements
Project Steering Committee
x BrucePryde,ChairmanTransportationAlternativesCoalition(TRAC)
x BillBradshawandPaulMavrakis–WyomingGame&FishDept.
x RichardBridgerSheridanRecreationDistrict
x DaveEngelsEntech,Inc.
x JeffFosterandCatherineJohnsonRENEW
x EdithHeyward
x EmilyEmondHolyNameSchool
x PatriciaEllisFortMacKenzieHighSchool/TheWrightPlace
x BobKrumm
x DougandPamMooreColonySouthResidents
x KenMellingerColonySouthResident
x JimWilsonTRAC
x TodWindsorColonySouthResident
City Staff
x DaveKinskey,Mayor
x NicBateson,PublicWorksDirector
x RobertBriggs,CityPlanner
x TomO’Leary,EngineeringProjectManager
x LaneThompson,CityEngineer
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................1
ProjectOverview...................................................................................................................................2
PublicInvolvementProcess..................................................................................................................4
ProjectRecommendations....................................................................................................................7
ImplementationSteps.........................................................................................................................13
ProjectIntegration..............................................................................................................................14
CostEstimate......................................................................................................................................16
PotentialFundingSources..................................................................................................................16
AdditionalConsiderations...................................................................................................................19
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................20
SourcesCited......................................................................................................................................21
Appendices..........................................................................................................................................22
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process
Introduction
InNovember2008,theCityofSheridanacquireda40+acreundevelopedpropertyalongLittle
GooseCreekbetweenShelteredAcresParktothenorthandBrundageLanetothesouth.The
vastmajorityofthepropertylieswithinanaturalfloodplainimmediatelypriortothestartof
theSheridanfloodcontrolchannel,makingthepropertyunsuitableformosttypesof
developmentwithoutsignificantimpacttotheoverallfloodcontrolsystem.
InMarch2009,theCityofSheridancommissionedapublicoutreachandvisioningprocessto
identifypotentialdevelopmentofanewCityparkonthepurchasedproperty.Thispublic
processwasanoutgrowthoftworelatedoverarchingprocesses,theNorthMainMasterPlan
andtheParksandRecreationMasterPlan.
TheParksandRecreation(P&R)MasterPlanreferredtothepurchasedpropertyasthe“South
ParkOpenSpace”andidentifieditasapotential“naturalarea”withintheoverallcontextofthe
P&RMasterPlan.TheP&RMasterPlanidentifiesanaturalareaasasite“primarilyleftina
naturalstateandintendedfornatureorientedleisureactivities…naturalareasmayserveastrail
corridors,andgenerallysupportonlypassiverecreation.Activerecreationisusuallyasecondary
use.”
TheSheridanPathwaysMasterPlanidentifiesapathwayconnectionintheareaofthe
purchasedpropertyasa“Tier1”,orhighpriority,project.
Forpurposesofthispublicoutreachandvisioningprocess,thepurchasedpropertywasgiven
theworkingtitle“SouthPark,”andisreferredtoassuchthroughoutthisreport.
ThisreportisintendedtoprovidetheSheridanCityCouncilandstaffwith:
x AnunderstandingofpublicperspectivesregardingSouthParkusesanddesign;and
x Recommendationsforparkusage,enhancements,conceptualdesign,potentialfunding
sources,andprojectprioritization.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 1
Project Overview
Key Stakeholders
Thefollowingentitieshaveownership,maintenance,access,educational,orrelatedinterestsin
theareacurrentlyknownas“SouthPark”:
x
CityofSheridan
x
TransportationAlternativesCoalition(TRAC)
x
SheridanCountySchoolDistrict#2
x
ColonySouthSubdivisionResidents
x
RehabilitationEnterprisesofNortheasternWyoming(RENEW)
Thesekeystakeholderscontributedinformation,guidanceandsuggestionsthroughoutthe
publicvisioningprocess.
Existing Facility
“South Park”
South Park looking south from Colony South Open Space
SouthParkiscomprisedofmorethanfortycontiguousandundevelopedacressituatedentirely
withintheCityofSheridanlimits.Thesitecurrentlysupportsawiderangeofwildlife,including
muleandwhitetaildeer,wildturkeys,pheasant,avarietyofducks,andliterallydozensof
speciesofbirds.Habitatvariesfromuplandgrassestostreambanksedgesandfromwetlandsto
activeriparianareas.Whileaportionofthepropertyhasbeenusedforlivestockgrazinginthe
past,thoseactivitieshavenowceasedanditisanticipatedthatthegrazedareawillquickly
returntoitsnaturalstate.
SouthParkisnaturallyboundedontheeastbyLittleGooseCreekandonthewestbyasteep
slopebelowtheColonySouthSubdivision.TothenorthliestheColonySouthOpenSpace,a
publicareadesignatedasapartofthesubdivisionplat,andtothesouthliesasmallplotof
privatelandandBrundageLane.TheCitypathwaysystemcurrentlyendsatShelteredAcresPark,
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 2
justnorthoftheColonySouthOpenSpace.Accesstothepropertyonthesouthendisviaan
accesseasementoffBrundageLane,throughtheaforementionedprivateland.
NearlyonemileofLittleGooseCreekpassesthroughtheproperty.TheCityofSheridanflood
controlchannelbeginswhereLittleGooseCreekflowsintoShelteredAcresPark,andtheSouth
Parkareaisalmostentirelycomprisedofactivefloodplain.Muchofthepropertylies
underwaterforaportionoftheyear.Permanentstructuresofanykinderectedontheproperty
couldhaveadirectimpactonfloodplaincapacityandflow.
Opportunity
Natural Park
Becauseofitssize,conditionandlocation,SouthParkpresentsauniqueopportunityto
promoteappreciationandprotectionofwildlifeandnaturalhabitat.Ifpreservedasa
naturalpark,SouthParkwouldnearlydoubletheamountofnaturalareaacreageincluded
withinthecommunity’sparksinventory.
Learning Landscapes and Habitat Interpretation
Therelativelyundisturbednatureoftheproperty,aswellasthediversityofwildlifeand
habitatpresentonthesite,makesitidealforincorporationintolearninglandscapesand
habitatinterpretationcurriculumatthelocalschools.
Vegetation Enhancement
Inrecentyears,invasivespeciessuchasRussianolivehavebeguntoencroachintothearea.
Managementofthepropertyasanaturalparkwouldallowsuchspeciestobemanagedor
eradicatedtoenhancewildlifehabitatandprotectnativespecies.
Fisheries Enhancement
LittleGooseCreekflowsthroughtheSouthParkareaandhasthepotentialtoprovide
significantfisheries,recreational,andriparianopportunities.Therearecurrentlyreaches
alongLittleGooseCreekwithintheparkareawhereexcessivelateralmigrationofthe
streamiscausingactivebankerosionandexcesssedimentinputtothesystem.Thisdis
equilibriumislimitingthefisherieshabitatbyfillingpoolsanddepositingfinesediments
overthechannelbedmaterial.Therearemultipleopportunitiesforstreamchannel
stabilizationandenhancementthatwouldmeetmultiplegoalssuchasstreamstability,
increasingfishhabitat,riparianstabilityandenhancement,improvedaestheticsandsounds
ofmovingwater,andwaterqualityimprovements.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 3
Public Involvement Process
Steering Committee
WorkingwithCityofSheridanstaffandtheChairmanoftheTransportationAlternatives
Coalition(TRAC),theprojectteaminvitedkeystakeholderstoparticipateinthevisioning
processasmembersofaprojectsteeringcommittee.Thesteeringcommitteeprovided
oversightandfeedbackthroughoutthepublicprocess,attendingpublicworkshops,reviewing
designdrawingsandrecommendations,anddevelopingsolutionstoaddressconflicting
recommendationsfordevelopmentoruseoftheproperty.
Outreach Methods
Arangeofoutreachmethodswereusedtonotifythecommunityaboutprojectrelatedevents
andtoencouragepubliccomment:
Project Web Page
Throughoutthevisioningprocess,theprojectteammaintainedawebpageontheCityof
Sheridanwebsite.Publiccommentsreceivedthroughouttheprocesswereupdatedonthe
webpageasreceivedsothatcommunitymemberscouldseewhattheirfriendsand
neighborsweresayingabouttheirvisionforSouthPark.Conceptualdesigndrawingswere
postedforreviewastheybecameavailable,aswasasummaryofthisreportaspresentedto
CityCouncilinlateJune.AnemaillinktoCitystaffallowedwebpagevisitorstosubmit
additionalcommentsandsuggestions,whichwerethenpostedtotheprojectwebpage.
Public Workshops
Theprojectsteeringcommitteehostedtwoworkshopstogatherpublicinputintopotential
improvementsorenhancementstoSouthPark.Notificationoftheseworkshopswas
advertisedintheSheridanPressandplacedonthecommunitycalendarfortwoweeksprior
totheevents.Postcardnotificationwassenttomailingaddressessurroundingtheproposed
parkarea.Mediacoveragewasgoodforallpublicworkshopevents.
Usinganopendialogueformat,participantswereaskedthefollowingquestionstoprompt
discussionandbrainstorming:
x Whatkindsofrecreationaluseswouldyouliketoseeinthepreviouslyundeveloped
“SouthPark”area?
x Whatkindsofeducationalusesdoyouthinkwouldbeappropriateforthearea?
x Howwouldyouproposetoincorporatetherecreationalandeducationalusesyou
havedescribedwhilestillpreservingtheSouthParkareaasanactivefloodplain?
x TheSouthParkareaishometoavarietyofwildlifespecies.Howwouldyoupropose
toaccommodateadditionalrecreationalandeducationaluseswhilemaintaining
wildlifehabitat?
x WhatkindsofrecreationaluseswouldyounotliketoseeintheSouthParkarea?
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 4
Workshopparticipantswereaskedtosharetheircommentswiththegroup,andcomments
werewrittenonlargepostersforalltoseeandrespondto.
Workshopcommentswerepostedtotheprojectwebpageforpublicreviewwithin48hours
ofeachmeeting.
Compilation of Public Comment
Publiccommentreceivedatthepublicworkshopswerecompiledintomatricesbytopicto
identifyareasofagreementandtoassesswhereadditionalworkwasneededtoresolve
conflictingusesorinterests.Thematrixofcommentsreceivedatthepublicworkshopsis
includedinAppendixAtothisreport.Individualcommentsreceivedthroughtheproject
webpageareincludedasAppendixB.
Conceptual Design Drawings
TheprojectteamconductedawalkthroughoftheSouthParkareatoassesscurrent
conditionsandtotakephotosoftheareaforuseinthedevelopmentofconceptdrawingsto
visuallyrepresentinputreceivedfromthepublic.Theteamendeavoredtoincorporate
publiccommentsandsuggestionsforparkfeaturesintotheconceptdrawingswherever
practicable,workingwiththesteeringcommitteeandkeystakeholderstoresolveconflicting
priorities.
Public Design Workshop
Uponcompletionoftheinitialdraftoftheconceptdrawings,apublicdesignworkshopwas
heldtopresentthedrawingsandfacilitatetheirrevisionasnecessarytoaccuratelyreflect
thecommunity’sdesiresforthepark.Workshopparticipantsworkedinbreakoutgroupsto
editthedrawingsandcompilealistofadditionalcommentsandsuggestedrevisions.The
conceptdrawingswerethenrevisedforincorporationintothisreport.Commentsreceived
duringtheconceptdesignreviewprocessareincludedinAppendixCtothisreport.
Comment Summary
Strengths
Publicprocessparticipantsdescribedthe
primarystrengthsofSouthParkas
follows:
x Largecontiguousacreage
x Naturalstate
x Diversityofhabitat
x Diversityofwildlife
x Locationinsouthernpartof
community
x LittleGooseCreek
x Wetlandarea Abandonedoxbowsupportswetlandspecies
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 5Challenges
Primarychallengesinclude:
x Allowingpublicaccesswhile
preservingpropertyinanatural
stateasmuchaspossible
x Invasivespecies
x Topographyrelatedtopotential
pathwaylocationatthenorth
endofproperty
x BankerosionalongLittleGoose
Creek
x Access Streambankerosionintouplandarea
x Vagrancyanddelinquency
concerns
Public Process Recommendations
Ingeneral,publicsupportwasstrongforimprovementsandenhancementsinthefollowing
areas:
x EstablishmentofSouthParkasaCityPark“naturalarea”asdefinedbytheP&R
MasterPlan
x ConcretepathwaynorthtosouthinaccordancewithPathwaysMasterPlan
x ConcretepathwayconnectingtoSheridanAvenue/RENEWviapedestrianbridge
x Gravelorbarkpathwayloopnearoxbowarea
x Unimproved“adventuretrails”toaccessotherinterpretiveareas
x Parkingareaatsouthendinitiallygravel
x Raisedboardwalkviewingplatformnearwetland
x Picnicpavilionandrestroomsadjacenttoparkingarea
x Outdoorclassroom/interpretivenodes
x Activemanagementofinvasivespecies
x Bankstabilizationandstreambedenhancements
x Creekaccessatnorthandsouthends
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 6Project Recommendations
Concept Overview
Thefollowingconceptualdesigndrawingsareintendedtovisuallycaptureandcombinethe
publiccommentreceivedthroughoutthepublicvisioningprocess.Thespecificlocationof
recommendedimprovementswillbedeterminedthroughaconstructiondesignprocessbeyond
thescopeofthisvisioningprocess.Alternativeshavebeenpresentedforthelocationofsome
designelements,includingspecificlocationsofconcretepathwaysandconnectingbridges.
Selectionofspecificlocationsfortheseelementswillbedependentuponseveralfactors,
includingfunding,neighborhoodsupport,andrightofwayacquisition.
Technical Considerations
Thereareseveralareaswithintheparkinwhichspecificcriteriamustbeadheredtoduring
designdevelopment,including:
x TrailaccessmustmeetADAstandards
x FloodcapacityalongGooseCreekmustbemaintained
x Diversityofhabitatandwildlifemustbemaintained
x Permittingmustbesecuredforanywetlandorstreamwork,orfortrailorstructure
placement
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 710’ WIDE OUTDOOR BRIDGE CONNECTION
CONCRETE TRAIL CLASSROOM /
INTERPRETIVE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
OUTDOOR NODE / INTERPRETIVE NODE
CLASSROOM /
BANK STABILIZATION
INTERPRETIVE NODE
A AND EDGE
ENHANCEMENTS
BANK STABILIZATION AND PICNIC PAVILION TRAIL
EDGE ENHANCEMENTS AREA CONNECTION
TO BRUNDAGE
CREEK
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM LANE, FUTURE
ACCESS
/ INTERPRETIVE NODE EXTENSION
WET MEADOW - OF PATHWAY
OPTIONAL BY-PASS SYSTEM
TRAIL - LOW FLOW (ENHANCED
ADVENTURE CROSSINGS VEGETATION -
CONVERT FROM
BRIDGE AGRICULTURAL
CONNECTION PASTURE)
BRIDGE B
TRAIL CONNECTION
TO EXISTING PATHWAY CONNECTION OXBOW - ENHANCED IMPROVED
SYSTEM HYDROLOGY ACCESS ROAD
AND WETLAND - REGRADED
ON-STREET VEGETATION - NEW SURFACE
PARKING WET MEADOW -
ENHANCED VEGETATION - ENTRY SIGN
CREEK
O NA - CONVERT FROM
ACCESS TI
OP EEK AGRICULTURAL PASTURE
E CR
OS
GO NB
TIO
OP
OXBOW
WETLAND
ENHANCED GRAVEL PARKING
EXISTING TRAIL VEGETATION - 30 CARS
CONNECTION - 2 BUSES
TO COLONY BOARDWALK RESTROOM
SOUTH - OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
- INTERPRETIVE NODE
- WILDLIFE VIEWING DECK LEGEND
POTENTIAL LOCATION 10’ Concrete Trail
FOR PROPOSED FISHING
POND 10’ Gravel, Bark,
or Similar Trail
Adventure Trail
0 50 100 200’
S OUTH PAR K
russell+mills
studios
OVERALL CONCEPT PLAN
114 east oak st, fort collins, colorado 80524 8
p: 970.484.8855 www.russellmillsstudios.comOUTDOOR CLASSROOM WITH INTERPRETIVE NODE ON RIPARIAN TREES - AUGMENT BOULDER WEIRS FOR HYDROLOGIC
LOG SEATING CRUSHED GRAVEL SURFACE EXISTING IMPROVEMENT: BANK STABILIZATION
AND HABITAT
10’ CONCRETE TRAIL STREAM BANK VEGETATION
ENHANCEMENTS
REMOVE MIDDLESTORY
VEGETATION WHERE POSSIBLE
S OUTH PAR K
russell+mills
VIEW LOOKING SOUTH AT NORTH END OF GOOSE CREEK (A)
studios 9
114 east oak st, fort collins, colorado 80524
p: 970.484.8855 www.russellmillsstudios.comENHANCED WETLAND OXBOW WITH ENHANCED WETLAND MEADOW WITH ENHANCED
VEGETATION HYDROLOGY VEGETATION, RECLAIM PROMINENCE OF
PASTURE
10’ BOARDWALK WITH CURB COLONY SOUTH OUTDOOR CLASSROOM WITH
LOG SEATING
10’ CONCRETE TRAIL INTERPRETIVE
NODE
S OUTH PAR K
russell+mills
studios
VIEW LOOKING SOUTHWEST AT NORTHERN EDGE OF O XBOW (B)
114 east oak st, fort collins, colorado 80524 10
p: 970.484.8855 www.russellmillsstudios.comDesign Elements
Pathways and Trails
TheSheridanPathwaysMasterPlancallsfortheconcretepathwayendingatSheltered
AcresParktoextendthroughtheSouthParkarea,continuingontopointssouth.Itis
recommendedthatanADAcompliantconcretepathwaybeconstructedalongthelengthof
theSouthParkpropertyinkeepingwiththedesignofsimilarconcretepathwaysinthe
existingsystem.VisioningprocessparticipantsalsorecommendedthatasectionofADA
compliantconcretepathwaybeextendedtotheeasttoconnectviabridgewithSheridan
AvenuenearthecurrentRENEWlocation.ThiswouldallowpersonswalkingonSheridan
Avenue,aswellasmobilityimpairedclientsofRENEW,toaccessSouthParkwithouthaving
totraveltothenorthorsouthentrances.
InordertopreserveasthenaturalpropertiesofSouthParkasmuchaspossiblewhile
makingtheareaaccessibleforeducationalandrecreationaluses,publicprocessparticipants
recommendedthatremainingpathwaysidentifiedintheconceptdrawingsbeconstructed
ofgravel,barkorsimilarmaterials.
Athirdcategoryoftrailincludedintheconceptualplanis“adventuretrail”,whichis
intendedtobeallowadventurouspersonsoreducatorstoaccessmoreremoteareasofthe
sitewithminimaldisruptionofhabitat.Theseadventuretrailscouldbeencouragedinthe
designatedareasanddiscouragedinotherareasbyselectivethinningofunderstory
vegetation.
Outdoor Classroom/Interpretive Nodes
Publiccommentreceivedthroughoutthevisioningprocessstronglysupportedthe
placementofclassroomseatingandinterpretivesigningatviewingpointsforthedifferent
typesofhabitatfoundwithintheproperty.Itisrecommendedthatthese“nodes”consistof
aclearedinstructionalspacewithabarkorgravelfloor,withseatingfor2530studentson
benchesconstructedofhalflogsorsimilarnaturalmaterials.Eachnodeshouldfeature
interpretivesigningtoaccommodatebothactive(classroom)andpassive(passerby)
interaction.
Wetland Enhancement and Viewing Area
Publicprocessparticipantsencouragedtheenhancementandpreservationofwetlandareas
withinthepark.Wetlandareascurrentlyexistinthecenteroftheparkandalongthe
westernedgewhere“spurtrails”couldbeconstructedandleadtoviewingareasadjacentto
thewetlandareas.Theseareascouldbeusedaseducationalnodesandaslocationsforbird
watching,reading,andwildlifeobservation.Inareasofstagnantstandingwater,
opportunitiesmayexisttoincreasetheflowoflivewaterthroughthearea.
Manypublicprocessparticipantsalsosupportedtheideaofconstructingadeepwaterpond
forfishingadjacenttothewetlandarea.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 11Vegetation Management
ThinningandothervegetationmanagementinSouthParkmustbebalancedwith
preservationofhabitattomaintainviablepopulationsofthenumerousbirdandwildlife
speciesinthearea.Itisrecommendedsuchvegetationmanagementbeconductedin
consultationwithAudubon,WyomingGameandFish,WyomingStateForestry,andother
habitatpreservationgroups.
Grantopportunitiesforvegetationmanagementaredescribedinthisreportunder
“PotentialFundingSources.”
Oneofthemostcosteffectivewaystoaccomplishthisworkifnograntsareavailableisto
hiretheConservationCampinmatesfromtheHonorFarminNewcastle.Acombinationof
theworkthatcouldbecompletedbytheConservationCampandgrantsforinvasivespecies
anddefensiblespace(fire)wouldsignificantlylowerthecostsassociatedwiththiswork.
TheNaturalResourcesConservationServicehasseveralprogramsforcontrolofnoxious
weedsandnonnativespeciesthatcanbedoneunderagreementsthattypicallyhave
matchesfrom60/40to75/25.
Little Goose Creek
Publiccommentreceivedduringthe
SouthParkvisioningprocesscalledfor
bankstabilizationandstreambed
enhancementsintheareatopreserve
andenhanceexistinghabitat
EnhancementofLittleGooseCreek
wouldrequirecoordinationand
permittingwiththeUSArmyCorpsof
Engineers(COE).Permittingforthis
reachofLittleGooseCreekwould
likelybedoneunderNationwide
GooseCreekinKendrickParkasconstructionwascompletedin
Permit27similartothework
2008
completedinKendrickParkin2008to
enhancefisherieshabitat,providediversehabitatfeaturessuchandpoolsandriffles,and
improvechannelandbankstabilitywhilemaintainingtheripariancorridor.
ItisanticipatedthattheDowntownSheridanAssociationwillberetainingafirmto
coordinateonbehalfoftheCitywiththeCOEforadditionalenhancementworkwithinBig
GooseCreek,LittleGooseCreek,andGooseCreekinthenearfuture.Thiscoordination
effortwouldservetoinitiatetheprocessofstreamchannelenhancementoptionswithin
SouthPark.
Publiccommentalsosupportedtheestablishmentofcreekaccesspointsatthenorthand
southendsofSouthParkinordertominimizestreambedtrafficimpactswhileallowing
accesstokayakers,tubersandfisherpersons.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 12TheseenhancementstoLittleGooseCreekandadditionalaccesspointswillprovideameans
forthepublictoutilizethecreekinmanyways.
Parking
Formalparkingareaswillneedtobedevelopedtoserveeducatorsandrecreationistsusing
theSouthParkfacility.Basedonpubliccommentreceivedandestimationofparkusage,it
wastheconsensusoftheprojectsteeringcommitteethatadequateonstreetparkingexists
forthoseaccessingtheparkfromthenorthatthejunctionofSouthMainStreetand
Gladstone.Atthesouthend,however,aportionoftheparkpropertywillneedtobegraded
andimprovedtoprovideparkingfor30carsand2buses,asshownintheconceptdrawings.
Itisrecommendedthattheparkinglotbeinitiallyconstructedofgravelorsimilarmaterial
sothattheareacouldbeeasilyreclaimedshouldparkingbecomeavailableadjacentto
BrundageLaneatsomepointinthefuture.
Picnic Pavilion and Restrooms
Whilepublicsupportwasmixedfortheinstallationofpicnicpavilionsontheproperty,the
steeringcommitteeconcludedthattheconstructionofapicnicpavilionandrestroomsnear
thesouthparkinglotwouldhelptodiscourageofftrailpicnickingandwastedisposal
elsewhereontheproperty.Itisrecommendedthatthefootprintofrestroomsandpicnic
facilitiesbekepttoaminimumandconstructedinsuchawayastominimizeimpacttothe
floodplain.
Signing
Publicsupportwasstrongforincorporatingastronginterpretiveelementintotheconcept
designforSouthParkfacilitytopromotepublicappreciationandprotectionofwildlifeand
habitat.ItisthereforerecommendedthattheCityofSheridancontractadesignfirmto
developaseriesofwayfinderandinterpretivesignsforSouthPark.Astheneedforsuch
signinghasbeenidentifiedinconjunctionwithotherplanningprocessessuchastheNorth
MainMasterPlan,theCitymightconsiderabroaderscopeofworkthatencompassesway
findersignsfortheentirecommunity.
Implementation Steps
ThisreportisintendedtoserveasanappendixtotherecentlycompletedP&RMasterPlan.
Inordertoproceedfromthispublicinputphasetothedesignandpermittingphase,the
followingactionitemsaresuggestedinorderofrecommendedpriority:
1. Fundingapplicationsforspecificimprovementsfor2010fundingcycle(DEQ319,
WWNRTFandothergrantopportunitiesasdescribedbelow)
2. Designatetaskforcetooverseeprojectcoordination
3. Pathwayconnectivityandconstructiondesign
4. Workwithlocalhabitatpreservationgroupstocoordinatesmallerprojectsand
secureavailablefunding
5. Streambedandwetlandenhancementcoordinationandprepermitting
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 13Permitting Needs
Specificpermittingwilldependonthefinaldesignthatisdevelopedtoincorporatetheconcepts
inthisreport.Thefollowingisasummaryofthepermittingtypicallyassociatedwithvarious
typesofactivitiesthatmayoccurwithinSouthParkasthefinaldesignisdeveloped.
Wetland Enhancement, Pond Design, and Stream Channel Enhancement
PermitsfromtheArmyCorpsofEngineers(COE)willbeneededforanypotentialfilling
and/ordredgingwithinthefloodplainadjacenttoLittleGooseCreek.Dependingonthe
projectpurpose,theCOEmayincludeotherconnectedactions.Allindependentactions
withintheSouthParkproperty,suchasexcavationfortheproposedpond,pathwayfill,
educationalnodeimpacts,trails,andotheractionsmaycumulativelybeincludedinthe
scopeofanalysisrequiredbytheCOE.
Awetlandmitigationareawouldpotentiallyneedtobedesignedaspartofthe
enhancement.Someofthegoalsofenhancementinthisareaincludeconcentratingthe
waterflowtoprovideamovingwaterfeaturewithinthetrailareaandprovidingfishing
opportunities.
LittleGooseCreekinsidetheSouthParkpropertydoesnotliewithintheCOEFloodControl
Project;therefore,aNationwidePermit27wouldlikelybeutilizedforanyenhancement
workinthechannel.Duringtheconstructionphase,apermitforatemporaryincreasein
turbiditymayberequiredfromtheWyomingDepartmentofEnvironmentalQuality.
Additionally,SheridanMunicipalCodeforFloodDamagePreventionmayneedtobe
assessedforanydesignwithintheFloodChannel.
Project Integration
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Carehasbeentakenthroughoutthepublicvisioningprocesstomaintainconsistencywiththe
recommendationsoftheP&RMasterplanadoptedbytheSheridanCityCouncilinMay2009.In
acommunitysurveyconductedinconjunctionwiththeP&RMasterPlan,Sheridanresidents
identifiedtheabilitytoviewwildlifeandwildlifehabitatasanimportantcomponentofthepark
system.
WhiletheacquisitionandlimiteddevelopmentofSouthParkmeetsmanyofthegoalsidentified
intheP&RMasterPlan,itmostclearlyaccomplishesGoalNo.1.5:
“Preservecriticaloruniquenaturalfeaturesbyprotectingareassuchasstreamcorridors,
wildlifehabitat,andwetlands.”
SpecificrecommendationsoftheP&RMasterPlanastheyrelatetoSouthParkareincludedas
AppendixDtothisreport.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 14Sheridan Pathways Master Plan
MembersoftheTransportationAlternativesCoalition(TRAC),whichoverseesimplementationof
theSheridanPathwaysMasterPlan,playedasignificantroleinthedevelopmentofthe
recommendationscontainedinthisreport.Carewastakentoensurethatthegoalsand
prioritiesofthePathwaysMasterPlanwerecommunicatedtothepublicthroughoutthe
visioningprocess.Theprovisionofthisoverarchingframeworkencouragedcreativedialogue
andgenerationofsolutionswithregardtopotentialconflicts.
Educational Curricula Integration
SouthParkprovidesauniquelearninglandscapeopportunitycongruentwithconclusionsofP&R
MasterPlanthatsupportthedevelopmentoflearninglandscapeareas“incorporatinga
naturalisticdesignwithamplespaceprovidedforbothunstructuredplayandorganizedsports.”
Throughthisvisioningprocess,contacthasbeenmadewithallthelocalscienceteachers
regardinguseofthisareaasalivingclassroom.Educatorsservingontheprojectsteering
committeehaveexpressedinterestinworkingwiththeCityofSheridantoestablishan
educationaloutdoorenvironmentwithintheparkarea.Therearenumerousgrantapplications
availableforeducationalpurposesthatcouldbeevaluatedtohelpestablishthistypeof
curriculum.OnesuchprogramistheCleanWaterAct319Programthatisadministeredbythe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalQuality.Thisprogramisdiscussedingreaterdetailinthe
potentialfundingsectionofthisreport.
TheveryactivelocalchaptersoftheAudubonSociety,DucksUnlimited,PheasantsForeverand
similarhabitatpreservationgroupspresentanotheropportunityforeducationalcurriculum
development.Fundingfromthenationalorganizationsforthesegroupscouldpotentiallybe
utilizedtoaidprogramdevelopment.
Habitat Preservation Groups
Severallocalgroupshaveexpressedinterestinbeinginvolvedinthedevelopmentandlongterm
managementofthenaturalareaswithintheparksofSheridan.SouthParkcontainshabitatfora
varietyofwildlifespecies,openingthedoortopotentialpartnershipswithgroupsthatsupport
habitateducation,preservationandrehabilitation.Itwouldadvantageoustocontinueto
supporttheeffortsofthesegroupsandpotentiallysolicitfundingandsupportonanational
level.
Habitatpreservationgroupswithwhomcollaborativepartnershipsmightbeformedwithregard
totheSouthParkpropertyinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
x WyomingGame&Fish
x SheridanWildlifeAllianceforYouth(SWAY)
x DucksUnlimited
x PheasantsForever
x TroutUnlimited
x TheAudubonSociety
x NationalWildTurkeyFederation
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 15Cost Estimate
Costestimatesforthisprojectwillbedependentuponspecificalternativesselectedforpathway
location.TheprojectteamisworkingwithCitystafftoidentifyspecificitemsforcostestimating.
Potential Funding Sources
Stream and Wetland Enhancements
Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund
TheWyomingWildlifeandNaturalResourcesTrustFund(WWNRTF)presentsaunique
opportunityforfundingofthewetland,oxbow,vegetation,andstreamenhancement
conceptsinSouthPark.Fundedbyinterestearnedonapermanentaccount,donations,and
legislativeappropriation,thepurposeoftheprogramistoenhanceandconservewildlife
habitatandnaturalresourcevaluesthroughoutthestate.Anyprojectdesignedtoimprove
wildlifehabitatornaturalresourcevaluesiseligibleforfunding.TheKendrickParkPhaseI
StreamEnhancementProjectwaspartiallyfundedthroughtheWWNRTF.
OneofthegoalsoftheWWNRTFistheimprovementandmaintenanceofaquatichabitats,
includingwetlandcreationorenhancement,streamrestoration,watermanagementor
othermethods.ExpansionofstreamenhancementwithintheCityofSheridanwouldlikely
belargelysupportedbytheWWNRTF.
ApplicationdeadlinesareMarch31andSeptember30ofeachyear.Itisrecommendedthat
theCityofSheridaninitiatetheapplicationprocessinthenearfutureinordertomeetthe
September30thdeadlineforthisyear.
ApplicationguidelinesforWWNRTFfundingaredescribedindetailinAppendixEtothis
report.
Wyoming DEQ 319 Program
TheWyomingDepartmentofEnvironmentalQualityadministersaNonpointSource
PollutionControl(Section319)FundProgram.UnderSection319ofthefederalCleanWater
Act,fundscanbemadeavailabletoStateandlocalagencies,nonprofitorganizations,and
privateindividualstodeliveraproducthavingoutcomesandtargetsthatwillresultin
reducingtheimpactsofnonpointsourcepollutionandimprovingwaterquality.
TheSheridanCountyConservationDistrict(SCCD)hasimplementednumerousprojectsto
provideabasisforawatershedassessmentforGooseCreek.Thewatershedassessment
becomesthefoundationforasuccessfulwatershedplanningeffort.Watershedplanningisa
locallyled,voluntary,anddynamicprocessdrivenbytheexpectationsofthestakeholders
anddevelopedthroughactive,publicparticipation.Theplanningprocessbuildsuponthe
educationeffortsinitiatedwiththeassessmentandusesvoluntary,incentivebased
measuresdevelopedandappliedlocally.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 16Aspartofoverallwatershedplanning,LittleGooseCreekthroughSouthParkcouldplaya
substaintialroleinmaintainingwaterqualityanddecreasingnonpointsourcepollution.
BecausetheworkalreadyundertakenbytheSCCDhasestablishedtheoverallwaterquality
andimpairmentswithinGooseCreek,aDEQ319grantapplicationfromtheCityofSheridan
wouldlikelymeetthevisionoftheWyomingNonpointSourceProgram.Theprogramgoalis
tosponsorprojectsthatreduceoreliminatenonpointsourcepollutioninthreatened,
impaired,andhighqualitywatersofthestatesothatalldesignatedusesarefullysupported
forthebenefitofallWyomingcitizens.
AnentiredescriptionandrequiredcriteriaforproposalsisincludedinAppendixFtothis
report.
Vegetation Thinning and Enhancement
Western Wildland Urban Interface Grant
TheWesternWildlandUrbanInterfaceGrantfocusesonhazardfuelreduction,information
andeducation,andcommunityandhomeowneraction.TheJohnsonCountyFireDistricthas
beenworkingunderthisgrantinBuffaloandhascompletedthinningalongClearCreek
aboveandthroughtown.JimShellwiththeFireDistrictiswillingtoofferadvicewithregard
tosimilarthinningalongLittleGooseCreekinSouthPark.Thecriteria,instructions,and
applicationforthe2010WesternWildlandUrbanInterfaceGrantProgramareattachedas
AppendixGtothisreport.Grantfundingrangesfroma50/50matchtoa60/40matchifthe
countyisinvolved.
PriortoapplicationforaWWUIgrant,theapplicationmustbesubmittedtotheWyoming
StateForestryDivisioninCheyenneforreview.Locally,StateForestryrepresentativePaul
WrightisbasedinBuffaloandhasofferedtoconductawalkthroughof“SouthPark”and
provideanassessment.HeisalsowillingtospeaktotheCityCouncilonthinningand
fundingoptions.ThisworkwouldneedtobecoordinatedwiththeSheridanCountyFire
Coordinator,BillBiastock,whomayhaveCommunityWildfireProtectionPlan(CWPP)
neededtoapplyforthegrants.
Additional Potential Funding Sources
National Park Service – Land & Water Conservation Fund
TheNPSwebsitedescribestheLWCFprogramasproviding“matchinggrantstoStatesand
localgovernmentsfortheacquisitionanddevelopmentofpublicoutdoorrecreationareas
andfacilities.Theprogramisintendedtocreateandmaintainanationwidelegacyofhigh
qualityrecreationareasandfacilitiesandtostimulatenonfederalinvestmentsinthe
protectionandmaintenanceofrecreationresourcesacrosstheUnitedStates.”
GranttypesincludeplanninggrantstostatestodevelopaStatewideComprehensive
OutdoorRecreationPlan,acquisitiongrantsfortheacquisitionoflandsorinterestsinland,
developmentorredevelopmentgrantstoenhanceprojectswithneworrebuiltrecreation
facilities,orcombinationgrantswhichincludebothacquisitionandsitedevelopment.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 17SheridanCountyhasreceivednumerousgrantsunderthisprogramdatingbacktoa1967
grantfortheSheridanCountyFairgrounds.
National Park Service – Other Programs
TheNationalParkServicealsohasprogramsforConservationandOutdoorRecreation,
RiversandTrails,andNationalTrailsSystemthatmaybesourcesforadditionalfunding
and/orplanningassistance.TheseprogramsaredescribedontheNPSwebsite
(http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs).
Habitat Preservation Groups
ThelocalchaptersofDucksUnlimitedandPheasantsForeverhaveexpressedaninterestin
participatinginprojectsandinpotentiallyservingasaconduitforgrantsand/ormatching
fundsfromthoseorganizationsonanationallevel.
Bikes Belong Grants Program
TheBikesBelongwebsite(http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants)statesthat“TheBikes
BeyondGrantsProgramstrivestoputmorepeopleonbicyclesmoreoftenbyfunding
importantandinfluentialprojectsthatleveragefederalfundingandbuildmomentumfor
bicyclingincommunitiesacrosstheU.S.Theseprojectsincludebikepaths,lanes,androutes,
aswellasbikeparks,mountainbiketrails,BMXfacilities,andlargescalebicycleadvocacy
initiatives.”
BikesBelonghasfundedthreeprojectsinWyoming(allnearJacksonHole)andwillaccept
requestsforfundingupto$10,000.00forfacilityandadvocacyprojects.The“GrantSeekers
Guide”andotherinformationaboutthisprogramisincludedinAppendixHtothisreport.
ThenextapplicationdeadlineforthisyearisNovember23,2009.
Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program
TheRecreationalTrailsProgramprovidesfundstothestatestodevelopandmaintain
recreationaltrailsandtrailrelatedfacilitiesforbothnonmotorizedandmotorized
recreationaltrailuses.TheprogramisadministeredbytheWyomingStateTrailsProgram,
whichoffersanannualgrantapplicationperiodforthesefunds.Applicationsandguidelines
areavailableontheWyomingStateTrailswebsiteat
http://wyotrails.state.wy.us/Grants/index.asp.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
TheUSDANaturalResourcesConservationServiceoffersseveralprogramsthatmayprovide
fundingforenhancementsto“SouthPark”.Threespecificprogramsareasfollows:
x WatershedProtectionandFloodPrevention
Watershedsurveysandplanning
WatershedProtectionandFloodPreventionOperations
WatershedRehabilitation
x WetlandsReserveProgram
x WildlifeHabitatImprovementProgram
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 18InformationontheseprogramsisavailableontheUSDANRCSwebsite
(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/),andinformationsheetsforthesethreeprograms
areincludedinAppendixI.
National Recreation and Park Association and Other Potential Funding Sources
IncludedinAppendixJofthisreportistheNationalRecreationandParkAssociation’s
descriptionandguidetofederalfundingsourcesfortransportation,conservation,health
andyouth.Additionalsourcesoffundingthatneedfurtherinvestigationarealsoincluded,
suchastheEPA5StarRestorationPrograminformation.
FundingfromtheNorthAmericanWetlandsConservationActGrants
(http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/index.shtm)andNationalFish&Wildlife
(http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Grants)mayalsobeapplicableto
portionsofthisproject.
Additional Considerations
Use Restrictions
Basedoncommentsreceivedduringthepublicvisioningprocess,aswellassubsequent
discussionsoftheprojectsteeringcommittee,itisrecommendedthattheCityCounciladoptthe
followingrestrictionsregardingpublicuseoftheSouthParkproperty:
Dogs
WhilesomecommentssupportedthedesignationofaportionofSouthParkforanoffleash
dogpark,thesteeringcommitteeconcludedthatsuchusewouldbeinconsistentwiththe
publicvisionofawildlifeviewingarea.Itisthereforerecommendedthatdogsberequired
tobeleashedwithinthepark,astheyareinotherparksthroughoutthecommunity.
Archery Hunting
WyomingGame&Fishrepresentativesexpressedconcernaboutthegrowingdeer
populationinthearea,citingincreasingvehicleconflictsanddamagetoresidential
landscaping.G&Fencouragedtheprojectsteeringcommitteetoconsiderallowingalimited
archeryhuntintheSouthParkarea.Thehuntcouldbeadvertisedandtheparkclosedfor
thedesignatedtimeperiod.Publicprocessparticipantsweredividedwithregardtowhether
huntingshouldbeallowed,withresidentsintheColonySouthareaexpressingstrong
oppositiontohunting.ItisrecommendedthattheCityCouncilexplorethistopicfurtherby
conductingaspecialsessiontohearpubliccommentwithregardtoallowingarchery
huntingintheSouthParkarea.
Camping and Fires
Whilesomeprocessparticipantssuggestedallowinglimited,permittedcampinginthearea
forchurchgroups,BoyandGirlScouts,etc.,thesteeringcommitteeconcludedthatthe
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 19potentialriskoffireanddifficultyofenforcingpermitswouldoutweighthebenefitsofsuch
use.ItisthereforerecommendedthatcampingandfiresnotbeallowedwithinSouthPark.
Conclusion
SouthParkpresentsauniqueopportunitytopreservealargetractofopenspacewithinthecity
limits,tomakethenaturaloutdoorsmoreaccessibletothosewhomightnototherwisehavethe
opportunitytoexperienceit,andtobufferthecommunity’sfloodcontrolsystemfrom
encroachingdevelopment.Thebroadrangeofwildlifeandhabitatwithintheparkboundaries
makethenaturalwealthoftheSheridanareaaccessibletopeopleofallages,abilitiesand
means.
DevelopingpublicaccesstoSouthParkwhilemaintainingandenhancingitsnaturalattributes
willtakeaconcertedeffortandcommitmentonthepartoftheCityofSheridan,the
TransportationAlternativesCoalition,andmanyotherconcernedindividualsandorganizations.
Itwilltaketimeandefforttoseetheconceptspresentedherecometofruition.Throughthe
publicvisioningprocessthatledtothisreport,itbecameclearthatthecommunityhasthe
interestandthewilltoseetheseconceptsbecomereality.Itwillbeuptothekeystakeholders
mentionedabovetoprovidetheorganizationanddirectiontokeepthingsmovingforward.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 20Sources Cited
TechnicalForestryServices.(2004).SheridanCommunityForestAssessment.Sheridan,WY:City
ofSheridan,Wyoming.
MIG,Inc.(2009).CityofSheridan,WyomingParksandRecreationMasterPlan.Sheridan,WY:
CityofSheridan,Wyoming.
Entech,Inc.(2007).SheridanPathwaysMasterPlanUpdate.Sheridan,WY:CityofSheridan,
WyomingandTransportationAlternativesCoalition(TRAC).
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 21Appendices “South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process 22
Category Comment Yes No NotesonConflictingComments
Access
Emergencyvehicles 1
Motorizedvehicles 9
Motorizedwheelchairs 1
Disabledaccess 3
AccessatShelteredAcres 1
BridgefromSheridanAvenue 3
Multipleaccesspoints(SheridanAvenueandBrundageLane) 1
BrundageStreetaccess 1
Parkingatsouthend 4
ConsidervacantlotacrossfromRENEWforparking 1
AccesstoColonySouth 2
Wildlifeviewingatadistancekeeppeopleontrails(controlledaccess) 3
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process
RecreationalUses
Competitivesports/largeturfareas 5
Dog/BarkPark 3 4 3/12/09Steeringcommitteeconcludedthatabark
parkmightnotbeacompatibleuseconsideringthe
numberofwildlifespeciesinthearea.
Dogsonleash 3 1 3/12/09Steeringcommitteeconcludedthatitwas
impracticaltoexpectthepublictonotwalktheirdogs
inthearea,ifthepathwayistoconnectthroughthis
area,asdogsareallowedonleashelsewhereonthe
pathway.
Hiking/walking 2
Fishingpond 2
Fishing 5
Tubing,rafting,kayaking,canoeing 3 1 3/12/09Steeringcommitteeconcludedthatboating
shouldbeallowed,asitwouldbedifficulttoregulate
useonpublicwaterways.
Appendix A - Comment Matrices from 3/3 and 3/5/09 Public Workshops
Jetskis 1
Archeryhunting 1 3 3/12/09Steeringcommitteeconcludedthatarchery
huntingdidnotseempracticalinthisareaofpublic
use,surroundedasitisonthreesidesbyresidential
andbusinessproperties.RecommendCouncilhearing.
Appendix A
Page1of4Category Comment Yes No NotesonConflictingComments
Skateboards 1
Bicycles 4
Running 1
Picnicking 2
XCskiing 1
Paintball 1
Frisbeepark 1
Kayakrental 1
Fires,barbecue,smoking,fireworks 3
Alcohol 1
Campingw/permit 1 1 3/12/09Steeringcommitteexpressedconcernabout
theabilitytomonitorcampinguse,allowingsomeuse
whilesimultaneouslydiscouragingvagrancy.
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process
Duplicationofotherparks 1
Pathways
Walkingpath 3
Cementwalkways 1
2pathwaysconcretepathbelowhillw/naturalpathwayalongcreek 2
Elevatedwalkways 1
Loopedtrails 1
Asphalttrailsurface 1
Keeppathwaysoutofprimehabitatareas 2
Pathalongcreekpreserveopenareasasnatural 1
Pathalongcreektokeeppeopleawayfromresidences 1
Satellitepathwaysinadditiontomainpath 2 1 3/12/09Steeringcommitteemembersagreedthat
additionaldiscussionandconsiderationisneeded
beforemakingadeterminationonwhether"satellite"
pathwaysshouldbeallowedinadditiontoamain
pathway.
Appendix A - Comment Matrices from 3/3 and 3/5/09 Public Workshops
Pathwayextensioninkeepingwithpathwaysmasterplan 2
Nomosquitosprayingalongpathwaystopreservefoodsourceforbirds/bats 1
Allweather,maintainablesurface 1
Appendix A
Page2of4Category Comment Yes No NotesonConflictingComments
EducationalUses
Wildlifeviewing/observation(decks,pathways,viewingtowers) 5
Learninglab(ecological,environmental,wildlife) 7
Fieldtrips 2
Allageseducation 1
Longtermstudies 1
Interpretivepathway 1
Allschooldistrictsaccess 1
Promotenaturalistrecreation 1
Facilities
Keeppermanentstructurestoaminimum 5
Portablestructures 1
Picnicpavilions 1 1
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process
Picnicpavilionsnorthonly 1
Benches 1
Planters 1
Lights 5
Solarlightingtodiscouragevagrancy 1
Trashcansandtrashpickup 2
Bathrooms 2
Bathroomatsouthend 1
Playground 1
Educationalpavilion 1
Musicplatform 1
Interpretivesigns 3
Rockorbuck&polefencestodiscouragetrafficintohabitatareas 1
Hours/SeasonsofUse
Dayuseonly 3
Closeduringflooding 2
Restrictaccessduringnesting/breeding 1
Yearroundaccess 1
Appendix A - Comment Matrices from 3/3 and 3/5/09 Public Workshops
Enforcement
Discouragevagrants 1
DesignateasaCitypark 1
Signsdonotremovewildlife 1
Appendix A
Page3of4Category Comment Yes No NotesonConflictingComments
HabitatandEnvironment
Attractsongbirds 1
Creekrestoration 6
Russianolivemitigation 2
Soilconsiderationsrelativetovegetation 1
Maintain/enhancefishhabitat 2
Asnaturalaspossible(includingwalkways) 4
Leaveasis 1
Maximize/developwildlife 2
Ediblelandscape 1
Wildlifepopulationmanagement 1
Addmorevegetation(berries,ediblelandscapes) 1
Limitdisturbanceofriparianareas 2
“South Park” Concept Master Plan; a community visioning process
Addressfirehazardoftallergrassw/eliminationofgrazing 1
Removeexistingfencingtoallowwildlifetomovefreely 1
ConsidersoilstabilityinconstructionofpathwaysorremovalofRussianOlives 2
Maintainfloodplain 1
Maintain/improvestabilityofstreamchannel 1
Maintaindiversityinvegetationasafoodsourceforanimals 1
Considerimproving/preservingstreamflow 1
Avoidfragmentationofecosystems 1
Financing
WildlifeTrustFund 1
Appendix A - Comment Matrices from 3/3 and 3/5/09 Public Workshops
Appendix A
Page4of4Appendix B - Detailed Public Comment Received
2/28/09
How nice to hear the City has acquired such a nice property. My suggestion would be for some
portion to be a dog park along the line of Morad Park in Casper.
3/12/2009
I feel that there is no need for any major stream modifications on Little Goose Creek. The stream
is in its natural course, meanders well, has good pools, riffles and runs, and is well shaded.
Leave a natural stream alone!
Second, why not construct a fishing pond in the oxbow? The pond could be dug fairly
inexpensively, would hold water year round and offer fishing year round. If the depth of the pond
were 15 feet or more, it wouldn't run the risk of winter kill, either and trout could survive in it year
round.
I look forward to a vital and vibrant South Park with lots of natural benefits!
3/12/2009
I heard several comments at the South Park meeting I attended about a general interest for a
fishing pond on the South Park property. We came up with an idea to dig out the oxbow channel
in the middle of the floodplain and make that a fishing pond. There are hurdles with the Army
Corps of Engineers that would have be negotiated but we don't think they are insurmountable.
A pond like the one we are thinking of would likely be able to support a program of stocking
catchable sized trout. In addition, sunfish and/or rock bass could be introduced to the pond to
provide an additional fishery.
We plan to sample Little Goose within the park property next week to see what fishery is there.
After this sampling, we will be able to make an informed recommendation if stream habitat
structures are necessary or if the stream is in good shape as is it is now. We will keep you (so
you can disseminate information to the group) updated on what we find.
Paul Mavrakis
Wyoming Game & Fish
3/25/2009
Following are some comments to follow-up suggestions already provided by Paul Mavrakis.
Bank stabilization work along segments of Little Goose Creek would enhance the property.
Vegetation may be adequate to maintain most low banks, thought it is hard to tell this time of year
if smooth brome dominates the composition. If so, the root mass to stabilize these bank may also
be limited. Some vertical banks along upland terraces and lack of floodplain interface were
problems that should be targeted for rehabilitation work. Also, removal of the coffer dam at the
diversion behind the DEQ office, and replacement with an improved structure would help stabilize
this segment of the stream.
Regarding stream fish habitat values, physical habitat features are not the primary factors limiting
the fisheries resource and angling opportunities in this stream segment. Rather, late season flow
limitations and water temperatures are the primary bottlenecks. The fishery will have limited
opportunity to improve unless these factors are resolved (increased flows), but will probably
continue to support very limited trout numbers seasonally. Due to these limitations, I suggest any
1
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