2020 NORTH STAR MANAGEMENT PLAN

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE
NORTH STAR MANAGEMENT PLAN
Pitkin County Commissioners adopted an updated management plan for North Star Nature Preserve on Wednesday, June 24. Implementation of the plan will proceed. Elements that are new with the 2020 plan are detailed below.

Find a link to the adopted plan above. Go HERE for guidance on floating North Star Nature Preserve.

PLAN HIGHLIGHTS / MANAGEMENT UPDATES
Many of the Action Items included in the Draft Management Plan are a continuation of previous plans, though there are a few changes described below. To learn more, please download the plan from the link above. 

Natural Resource Management Actions
Continuing actions focus on restoring the natural ecology and native vegetation after over 30 years of agricultural use and allowing for the river’s organic migration with minimal human intervention. The land to the west of the river remains closed to public access for the protection of wildlife. 
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What’s Changing? 

• Action 4.1.2.A. North Star Quiet Zone - all of the North Star Nature Preserve is now a "Quiet Zone" to reinforce the message that this is a place "where the Roaring Fork whispers." 
• Action 4.1.3.B. Downed Tree Policy - explains that woody debris that has fallen into the river may only be removed in consultation with OST staff, who will take a conservative approach to removing only what is necessary to provide safe passage for river users. 
• Action 4.1.3.C Beaver Dams - explains that, because the beaver dams are important for the local ecosystem, they will not be removed. If a beaver dam is presenting an obstacle for river users, staff will provide information on how to behave appropriately at the obstacle.  

​Recreation Management Actions
The Recreation Actions reinforce the existing rules and regulations to ensure that the natural resource values and user experience are not compromised by the increase in use. New messaging, education and enforcement efforts seek to better communicate the expectations for users. The recreation access corridors and public access areas remain the same.

What’s Changing? 

• Action 4.2.2. Increased Enforcement - outlines a zero-tolerance policy for violating “no audible music” and “no dogs, except on leash on East of Aspen Trail.” Violators will receive a ticket rather than a warning for their first offense. “Beaching of watercraft” outside of the designated areas will result in a written warning prior to a citation.      
• Action 4.2.3. Temporary Closures - OST may close access to the river and/or the Preserve due to low river flows or aggressive moose behavior.
• Action 4.2.6 Parking and Crowding Management - moves forward with next steps to address the crowding and safety concerns and alternative transportation options along Hwy. 82 and at Wildwood. In addition to design improvements, the success of managing parking depends on a cohesive effort involving strong partnerships, behavioral shifts by users, and enforcement. 
• Action 4.2.7 Wildwood Land Exchange - Staff will work with the White River National Forest on a land exchange to convey the Wildwood parcel to Pitkin County. This would allow for seamless rules and enforcement across the North Star float river-access areas and the potential for a permit system in the future. 
• Action 4.2.8 Restroom Facility at Wildwood - OST will work with the Forest Service to locate a restroom facility at Wildwood.   

Additional management actions and detailed existing conditions are included in the Management Plan, which can be downloaded from the link above. 

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For more information contact:  Lindsey Utter, Planning and Outreach Manager
                                                       Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
                                                       970-920-5224 or lindsey.utter@pitkincounty.com