HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-23 Adopting the Environmental Strategic PlanRESOLUTION NO. 23
SERIES OF 1994
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIC PLAN.
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail wishes to ensure it's regulations and policies relating to
development our congruents with the carrying capacity of the area's natural environment and
manmade resources; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail wishes to protect the area's natural resources and recognize
that they are interconnected and interdependent; and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to improve efficiency in water, energy, and waste
management in businesses, residences and in government; and
WHEREAS, to ensure environmental compliance through proactive environmental
management that will Identify Vail as an environmental leader.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Vail,
Colorado:
1. The Environmental Strategic Plan attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A is hereby
approved and adopted.
2. The Town Manager and the Town staff are hereby authorized to take all approved
actions necessary to implement the Environmental Strategic Plan.
This resolution shall take effect immediately upon Its passage.
INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ~5>`hrday of November, 1994.
L
MargaYet A. Osterfoss, Mayor
A ST:
Holly . McCutcheon, Town Clerk
C:~lESOLiJ94.23
Resolutions No. 23, Series of 1994
m ~ ~ ~ ^- J Q ^ "' C ~ -r m ~ 'Qm ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ m ~ ~ a ~ ~ ~ a ~ QcD
cn c ~o -„ ^- 3 .~ m~ m ~ o ro o~~ D
Q Q ="m y ~ aro ~ m'o y ~ ~arD
m~ o~ o° 3 m c3a o o ?-~ ~° 5 D m
c~ a ° y
m
z
o_o m ° ~o ~ o ~ ~ o Q~o ^-~~z
a~ m Q ~
O n~^~ N^ (^ ~^ ~H m
Q a ~
a ~ c] m~ f o~ O~ f~
a m~ _~~ ^ ~~ m ao ^~ a o
a
a
m
a y~ y
a
40 ~a.~~~3m~^°~°mcn~~om ~®I-o~~~am~~X3~o~~3 ~ a o ^ aw am•° ~
Q m.~ o, { m ~ ~ nm m
aay-o -^ om`n Q ~_~ ^Z ~ -~ ~~ c a o a
Q a
C~ Q
O W N p p~ -"' fl. Q 'Q j
m m~~ m Q Q ~, ~ ~ Q~ Q
O m -Q a ~ a Q ~ cnD ~ { ~ •~ ^
n -0 7 Q 3 ~ C j~~~ C (D m
Z~ c o
ro ro~ ^. ^ a n~ Q ^.D Q ~
o. tom ~{)m~~~~~^~
Q a - ~ ~ ~ ~ d ~ ~ ~
I~~ Q ~ O ~ ~ Q ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q t ro
t a
r
m -P~~~^-a~ma~mwg.~cnomooflQ ~-•~5~o a a~ m ~ ~n ^ ~ ~m o ~~
3~o{roQ~a~Q{aQa.
y m m m m ro a° ~ Q.fl ~~ a~
n
Z R'
O
O
r
m ~
CI PP ~~ e~ n S~ ~~, ~ Lc~~.
6 ~ ~ _
g
7~0
0
0
C
Z
r;N VIRONM~N'lAL
S'1'RA'1'r;GIC PLAN
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement .........................................................2
Executive Summary ......................................................3
1. Introduction ..........................................................4
2. State of the Environment ................................................6
3. Trends That May Affect Vail .............................................10
4. Framework for Environmental Protection ..................................12
5. Sustainable Land Use Regulation and Devel.,r...ent ..........................13
6. Ecosystem Protection ...................................................16
7. Environmental Efficiency ................................................18
8. Environmental Management and Compliance ...............................20
9. Implementation ........................................................21
10. Conclusion ...........................................................25
Appendix 1 -Environmental Success Stories
Other Environmental Plans and Studies ..........................26
Appendix 2 -Common Wildlife Species in Vail ................................30
References ..............................................................31
OF`r~
e •
ce' Rsusel•4
Printed on Recycled Paper
1
Acl~owledgement
The Town of Vail would like to thank the 55 participants of the Vail Environmental
Odyssey: The Next Generation search conference who provided the foundation for the
development of this plan and the many other residents that provided input throughout
the planning process. This conference would not have been possible without the support
of the Strategic Planning Committee which included:
Bill Anderson, Vail Planning and Environmental Commission
Alan Best, Eagle Valley Environmental Coalition
Dave Cole, Realtor
Kathy Heicher, Eagle County Planning Commission
Joe Macy, Vail Associates
Evie Nott, Vail Valley Medical Center & Resident
Kristan Pritz, Director of Community Development
Rich Phelps, USFS
Tom Steinberg, Vail Town Council
The project manager and for this plan was Russell Forrest and the facilitator for the
search conference was Rita Schweitz of ChangeWork for the Rockies. This plan would
not have been possible without the support of the Vail Town Council and the Vail
Planning and Environmental Commission.
2
Executive Summary
The Vail Environmental Strategic Plan
provides along-term vision to protect Vail's
environmental quality and defines a sustainable
development strategy. The Vision Statement is
the cornerstone for the goals, and action plans
that are identified in this plan. The Vision
describes the desired future environment for
Vail that was developed from input at the Vail
Environmental Odyssey Search Conference.
This vision statement is:
The Town of Vail will be a leader
in natural resource stewardship
and wilt strive as a community
to attain environmental
and economic sustainability."
This Vision Statement recognizes the link
between environmental quality and economic
development and that a balance is needed
between these two elements. It also recognizes
the need to ensure a healthy environment and
economy for future generations while protect-
ing historical and cultural values in the com-
munity. This Vision is supported by four goal
areas:
1. Sustainable Land Use
Regulation and Development
Ensure Town of Vail regulations and
policies relating to development aze•congruent
with the carrying capacity of the area's natur-
al environment and man-made resources.
2. Ecosystem Protection
Protect the areas natural resources (air,
water, soils, natural habitat) and recognize
that they are interconnected and interdepen-
dent.
3. Environmental Efficiency
Improve efficiency in water, energy, and
waste management in businesses, residences,
and in government.
Environmental Management
and Compliance
Ensure environmental compliance
through proactive environmental management
that will identify Vail as an environmental
leader.
This plan identifies specific actions and a
time frame for those actions that will move
Vail towards its environmental vision.
Together these actions define Vail's sustainable
development strategy. This plan is also
intended to be a dynamic plan that should be
reviewed periodically to determine its effec-
tiveness in dealing with environmental issues.
This will require establishing a baseline for
key environmental indicators to determine
improvements, or lack thereof in environmen-
tal quality. Therefore changes in proposed
actions may be required as the need arises.
This plan will help protect Vail's valuable
natural resources, provide a proactive man-
agement approach to environmental regula-
tions, improve environmental education,
encourage collaboration to solve common
environmental problems, and help distinguish
Vail as an environmental leader.
3
1 Introduction
PURPOSE
The purpose of this planning process is to
develop along-term environmental work plan
that will address the needs of the community as
well as legislative, regulatory, and technologi-
cal trends. A proactive environmental program
will enable the Town of Vail to maintain and
improve environmental quality in the Vail
Valley. Protecting our areas natural resources
is also critical in protecting our tourist based
economy. A major reason why Vail has become
an internationally renowned resort is because
of the area's pristine natural resources. In fact,
proactive environmental management and
education can be incorporated into Vail's mar-
keting programs. In addition, the U.S. Govern-
ment and State of Colorado are increasingly
requiring local communities to implement or
regulate environmental programs. Proactive
environmental planning reduces regulatory
costs of compliance and can increase net com-
munity income by reducing waste. This helps
make Vail more economically competitive
through cost savings and by marketing Vail as
an environmentally desirable place to visit and
live.
Most importantly, a proactive environmen-
tal program will enable the Town to be a
responsible steward of the Valley's natural
resources. By acting locally, the Vail communi-
ty will help address, in its own way, many
global environmental issues e.g. global warm-
ing, acid rain, water quality degradation, loss
of sensitive habitat. Many of the world's global
environmental problems can only be adequate-
ly addressed through the collective efforts of
local communities.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN
1. Develop along-range environmental
work-plan to protect and improve Vail's
environmental quality.
2. Improve cooperation and collaboration to
better address environmental challenges.
3. Help identify Vail as a leader in
environmental stewardship/sustainable
development.
4. Keep Vail environmentally proactive.
BACKGROUND
Environment refers to the physical, chemi-
cal, and biotic conditions surrounding an
organism. In the context of this plan, environ-
ment refers primarily to the natural resources
required by Vail's residents, guests, and area
wildlife. This plan also recognizes that the '
management of the local environment is inter-
relatedwith our global environment and that
thinking globally and acting locally is essential.
Vail's environment has gone through a
dramatic transition from sheep farming in the
1930's and 1940's to an internationally
renowned ski resort. The two ~VVVII veterans,
Pete Seibert and Bob Packer, who established
the Vail ski resort in 1959 probably could not
then imagine the growth that has taken place
in the Vail Valley. A first rate ski resort and the
Valley's natural resources have been key ingre-
dients in the success of Vail.
Growth in the valley has been dramatic in
the last 20 years and has raised the concern
that the Town needs to take proactive steps to
protect the area's natural environment so that
the success of Vail would not endanger the
Golden Goose" i.e. the Valley's environment.
This plan is intended to provide a framework
to protect and enhance the Vail Valley a natural
resources and to maintain the high degree of
environmental quality that our residents and
guests expect.
A major step in the development of this
document was "Uail's Environmental Odyssey:
The Next Generation" Search Conference. On
October 8th and 9th, 1993, approximately 50
different stakeholders representing various
businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods and
area governments met in Vail to discuss envi-
ronmental issues the Town needs to address.
The input from this conference, along with
other public meetings, provided the foundation
for this plan.
This is a long-range strategic plan and it is
intended to be a dynamic process where action
plans are monitored and reviewed. Also
changes in environmental trends should be
monitored annually. So it is anticipated that
this plan be revisited and adjusted as necessary
to reflect changes in community needs and
external trends that may affect Vail.
STRUCTURE OF THE PLAN
This plan is centered around a vision
statement that is supported by goal areas. This
plan is the culmination of a two day confer-
ence, significant public input, and an analysis
of environmental trends that may affect Vail in
the future. This plan begins by discussing the
state of environmental quality in Vail and then
analyzes trends that the community needs to be
aware of in developing an environmental work
plan. Then four goal areas for environmental
protection are identified which support the
vision statement. Finally specific actions are
identified to implement the goals of the plan.
FIGURE 1
Strategic Planning Process
Establish performance
standards and
monitor implementation
Stakeholders identify
environmental issues
Scan of
environmental issues -
local, regional, global
Implement through
incentives, education,
regulation, taxes,
and cooperation
i
I~
The strategic planning process illustrated
in Figure 1 is a dynamic process that begins
with public input and analyzing environmen-
tally related trends in legislation, technology,
and public opinion. Then a vision, goals, and
actions can be formulated and reviewed by
decision makers and stakeholders. Resources
for completing actions must be identified to
develop an achievable action. Finally, the
Town must commit to the implementation of
the approved plan and monitor implementa-
tion progress and effectiveness. As mentioned,
trends and public opinion change over time
and the plan should be modified as appropri-
ate.
Vail Town Council
review and identify
priorities
Develop vision,
goals and actions
Town Council & PEC
review and
approve
Complete
final plan
11
Stakeholders review
and identify priorities
Related government
units review and
identify priorities
Determine costs and
resources to
complete actions
5
State of the Environment
Before a long range environmental work
plan is defined, the current state of environ-
mental quality in the Vail Valley should be
discussed. Vail's natural resources and environ-
mental quality have changed over time as the
Valley has been developed. However, environ-
mental quality in Vail is still high. The Vail
Valley has a gold medal fishing stream, pristine
mountain views, and provides habitat to many
species of plants and animals.
A variety of environmental programs have
been developed to address specific environ-
mental issues. A summary of environmental
programs that the Town and other organiza-
tions have implemented is discussed in Appen-
dix 1. The following is a description of known
environmental baseline conditions in the Vail
Valley.
Historical Background
Prior to the 1900's, the Vail Valley consist-
ed of wetlands and meadows. The primary
inhabitants were the Ute Indians who periodi-
cally camped in the area. In the early 1900's
miners and families began settling along the
Gore Creek to mine silver, lead, and zinc
around Battle Mountain. After the Great
Depression, sheep farming became the major
activity in the valley. In the late 1930's, a state
highway extended into the Gore Creek Valley
under the direction of Highway Engineer
Charlie Vail. During WWII, the 10th Moun-
tain Division trained at Camp Hale 20 miles
south of the Gore Valley. After the war two
soldiers, Pete Seibert and Bob Parker ~vho had
trained at Camp Hale, came back to establish a
ski resort in Vail. In 1959, a Forest Service
land use permit was issued to an investment
group that
had been
formed for the
Vail ski
resort. The
Vail resort
opened on
December 15,
1962 with 876
acres of
skiable terrain
making it the
third largest ski resort in the United States. In
1966, the Town of Vail was incorporated and in
1969 Lionshead was annexed into the Town. In
the 1970's, I-70 was built through the Vail
Valley.
Geography/ Land Cover
The elevation of Vail is 8,150 feet and the
summit of Vail Mountain is 11,450 Feet. The
Town is approximately 10 miles long and .5 to
1 mile wide and is surrounded by the White
River National Forest. The heaviest snowfall
months are March and April, with the valley
experiencing an average of 335 inches of snow
per year. There is a total of 3,360 acres in the
Town of Vail, of which 29% of the land area or
977 acres are zoned open space. There are
three commercial areas (Vail Village, Lions-
head, and West Vail) that consist of 155 acres
or 4.6% of the land and single family residen-
tial accounts for 12 % of the land (Town of Vail
Land Use Plan, 1989). Interstate 70 runs
through the length of the Town and covers 505
acres (15%) of land. The remaining 40% of the
land area consists of multifamily, public use,
and unplatted parcels. Gore Creek is the other
major linear feature that runs through town
and the only major water body within the town
boundary. Its confluence with the Eagle River
is just west of Town at Dowd Junction.
Demographics
The Town has grown from 400 people in
the early 1970's to approximately 4,000 living
in the Town of Vail in 1990 with over 2,709
people commuting into Vail daily (U.S.
Census, 1990). Approximately 30,000 guests
may be in Town during the peak of ski season.
Vail currently has approximately 6,100 housing
units (i.e.units with a kitchen). The Town of
Vail estimates that it is 86% built out based on
current zoning and the Vail Valley Consoli-
dated Water District has estimated that Vail
can expect 5 to 10 percent growth each year.
Based on the 1994 Town of Vail Development
Statistics Report there is the potential for 1,345
additional dwelling units in the Town of Vail.
Current zoning would allow for an additional
853 single family or duplex units, 237 multi
family units, and 255 accommodation units.
Vegetation
Several vegetation studies have been
completed in the White River National Forest
area. Hess and Wasser inventoried the White
River National Forest in the 1980's and com-
piled areport on the forest habitat types. These
habitat types can be delineated by altitude and
include Alpine Tundra (14,000 - 11,200 ft),
Subalpine (11,200 - 10,000 ft), Montane
10,000 - 7,500 ft), and Semi-Arid (7,500 -
5,200 ft). Within the Vail Valley the primary
vegetative types are Subalpine and Montane
which are described below:
Subalpine: Engelman spruce and
Subalpine fir are characteristic of the Subalpine
zone.
The Town of Vail is not within the sub-
alpine zone but the valley walls above Vail
extend into this vegetative zone. The following
species are found in this zone:
Trees: Engelman spruce, Subalpine fir,
I.odgepole pine, Blue spruce, Aspen
Shrubs: Sagebrush, Booth's willow, Wolf s
willow, Russet buffalowberry, Grouse
whortleberry
Grasses: Thurber fescue, Bluejoint reed-
grass, Kobresia, Elksedge
Montane: The Town of Vail is situated in
the montane zone. The montane zone is chaz-
acterized by Douglas firs and Aspen and less
common Ponderosa pine. Alpine wetlands are
also common in the montane in the Valley
b..::.,...s. The following species are found in the
montane:
Trees: Douglas fir, Lodgepole pine, Blue
spruce, Aspen, Cottonwood, Birch, and
Alder
Shrubs: Juniper, Pinyon pine, Sagebrush,
Serviceberry, Rose, Mountain Mahogany,
Snowberry, Booth's willow, Sandbar
willow, Drumond's willow, Alder,
Dogwood, Grouse Whortleberry
Grasses: Idaho fescue, Thurber fescue,
Tufted hairgrass, Bluejoint reedgrass, Elk
sedge, Bluebunch wheatgrass
Habitat
The Vail Valley is home to many species
of plants and animals. White River National
Forest as a whole provides suitable habitat for
307 vertebrate species (Table 1). Common
wildlife species often seen in Vail are listed in
Appendix 2. The distribution of the wildlife in
and around the Town is primarily influenced
by vegetation distribution which is discussed
above.
Wildlife species common to the Vail area
are typical of Montane areas in the Rockies.
Areas within the Vail Valley have also
been designated as critical habitat for mule
deer and elk. Both deer and elk move into the
Valley from the west in the spring and then
move back west in the fall as snow pushes
them to lower elevations. Raptors (birds of
prey) also find habitat in the Vail Valley. Gore
Creek provides productive aquatic habitat for
fish, macroinvertebrates, micro-organisms,
plants, and terrestrial wildlife. An estimate
was made in 1980 that Gore Creek has 1000
trout per mile in the 4 mile Gold Medal sec-
tion. The Gold Medal section extends from
Red Sandstone Creek to Intermountain. A
Gold Medal fishery is a designation given by
the Colorado Department of Natural
Resources for excellent cold water fisheries.
TABLE 1
Number of Vertebrate Species
Total Game
Species Species
Mammals 72 13
Birds 202 27
Reptiles 11 -
Amphibians 5 -
Fish 17 -
Source: White River National Forest
Management Pla n, 1986
Water Quality/Quantity
Gore Creek is a major tributary of the
Eagle River and is a significant visual and
natural resource for the Vail Valley. Water
quality and quantity are inextricably linked.
Both water quality and quantity have been
effected as Vail has grown over the last 30
years. Water quality and quantity directly
affect aquatic habitat.
The Town of Vail has analyzed historical
water quality data and has found that some
water quality parameters have improved over
time and others have gotten worse. Statistical
analysis shows that concentrations of the
following parameters:
Are greater below Vail than above (that
is, water quality gets worse)
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Salts (conductivity)
Phosphorus
Ammonia
Nitrate and nitrite
Have become worse over time:
Dissolved solids
Phosphorus
Nitrate and nitrite
Salts
Have decreased in concentration
improved) over time:
Zinc
Manganese
Capper
Cadmium
Fecal coliform
Based on available information, it appears
that the primary reason for the degradation in
the above mentioned water quality parameters
is due to increased development and runoff.
The parameters that have improved over time
are most likely due to improvements made to
the Upper Eagle Valley Consolidated Water
and Sanitation District treatment plant on
Forest Road. Additional biological monitoring
is required to determine the significance of the
water quality parameters that have gotten
worse over time.
The Vail Valley Consolidated Water
District recently completed its Master Plan. At
build out, the maximum daily demand is
approximately 1,119 million gallons (mg) per
year which can be compared to the 1,335 mg
4,091 acre feet) that the District has in water
rights. Therefore, projected demand at build-
out will be approximately 84% of the maxi-
mum amount allowable under the existing
water rights owned by the district. However, it
should be acknowledged that the City of
Denver owns approximately 45,000 acre feet of
water rights in the Vail Valley that are senior to
the District's. Denver has not taken action to
utilize these water rights which could signifi-
cantly impact Vail. The Town along with other
Western Slope water users are actively partici-
pating in discussions with the Front Range that
are intended to identify alternatives to the use
of these water rights.
There is significant concern that there is
not adequate water throughout the year on the
Eagle River to protect aquatic habitat. The
Colorado Water Conservation Board sets
minimum instream flow standards to protect
trout habitat. These are bare minimum stan-
dards and fish kills have occurred in the Eagle
River at flows above minimum instream Flow
Bureau of Reclamation, 1993). As the valley
west of Vail becomes increasingly developed
the pressure on the Eagle River will increase.
Water quantity will become a major controlling
factor in the future development of the Eagle
Valley west of Dowd Junction.
Groundwater
The Town of Vail is dependent on ground-
water wells for drinking water. There are seven
drinking water wells in the Town that the Vail
Valley Consolidated Water District operates
located near Gore Creek in the vicinity of the
Golf Course and in West Vail on Matterhorn
Road. These wells are directly linked to water
quality and quantity in Gore Creek since they
are alluvial. This basically means that water
availability and quality from these wells is
directly related to quality and quantity in Gore
Creek. Also the Town of Vail's use of ground-
water for domestic drinking water results in a
depletion of surface water in the Gore Creek
between the Vail golf course wells and the
Forest Road treatment plant where there is
considerable return flow back to Gore Creek.
Air Quality
Air quality in the Vail Valley is generally
very good. However, during the winter, air
quality is negatively impacted by particulates
emitted from fireplaces and resuspension from
road sanding. The primary air quality parame-
ter that has been a problem is particulate
matter measured as PM10, particulate matter
under 10 micrograms/cubic meter. PM10 is
used as a particulate standard because particles
at and smaller than this standard can be drawn
into the lungs and create serious health prob-
lems.
Two actions have been taken to mitigate
this problem. The first action was implement-
ing avoluntary conversion program to encour-
age residents to convert older open hearth
fireplaces to clean burning technologies. This
program has been successful in converting
over 400 dirty fireplaces and has resulted in a
noticeable decline in brown haze days. The
second action that has been taken is using
volcanic cinders for winter road applications
instead of sand. Sand blown up into the air
from trail is resulted in 39% of the contribution
to PM 10. Volcanic cinders are heavier and less
likely to become airborne.
Solid Waste
Solid waste is a major issue in the Town of
Vail and in Eagle County. In a recent report
prepared by the Northwest Colorado Council
of Governments, Vail was identified as one of
the largest generators of solid waste on the
Western Slope. A major source of solid waste
is reconstruction where an old home or build-
ing is demolished and a new structure is put in
its place. The existing Eagle County Landfill
opened in 1990 with an expected capacity of 25
years. However in 1993, the County estimated
that the landfill had only 10 to 15 years of
capacity remaining. A successful grass roots
recycling program has been created in the
county called We Recycle. We Recycle diverts
approximately 5% of the waste stream.
Hazardous Waste and Materials
The Town of Vail does not have any large
quantity generators of hazardous waste
although there are a number of small quantity
generators. The Town also has numerous
underground and above ground storage
tanks. The Fire Department currently keeps a
list of hazardous materials. There are a total
of approximately 109 commercial sites with
some form of hazardous material located in
Vail. The Town also responds to an average of
15 hazardous or special waste spills or leaks a
year. The Town, under the leadership of the
Fire Department, has adopted a unified inci-
dent command system so that Town, State,
and other local authorities can most effective-
ly respond to hazardous material releases and
other emergency situations.
The Town also actively monitors progress
on the clean-up of the Eagle Mine Superfund
site located south of Minturn. The Eagle
Mine is on the National Priority List (NPL)
and is a source of heavy metal contamination
in the Eagle River. Recent studies on fish
habitat and water quality data indicate that
improvements have been made to reduce
heavy metal contamination. However, ongo-
ing vigilance is necessary to ensure adequate
progress in the Mine's clean-up.
Open Space Protection
The Town of Vail adopted a Comprehen-
sive Open Lands Plan in 1994 that will pro-
tect sensitive natural areas in Vail. Over 51
parcels are recommended for acquisition,
conservation easements, or trail easements.
Many of these parcels include riparian areas,
wetlands, and sensitive wildlife habitat. The
Gore Creek is an important wildlife corridor
for small mammals and birds. A major objec-
tive of this plan was to acquire or protect as
many stream corridor parcels as possible.
Development Controls
The Town of Vail has a number of plans,
regulations and policies that control develop-
ment. The Zoning Code and Design Review
Board regulations control how and where de-
velopment may occur. The Land Use Plan, Vail
Village Master Plan, Streetscape Plan, Trans-
portation Master Plan, and Town of Vail Land-
scape Plan also directly affect the character of
development and visual appearance of Vail.
9
3 Trends That 1Viay Affect Vail
Identifying key trends that may affect Vail
in the future provides an opportunity to proac-
tively address environmental issues. Trends
analysis involves looking at historical and
current information and identifying trends that
will continue into the future. Key trends that
were analyzed included legislative trends,
public opinion polls, technology, and environ-
mental quality indicators. Northwest Colorado
Council of Governments (NWCCOG) pre-
pared areport for the Town that discusses
specific trends that is a supplement to the Vail
Environmental Strategic Plan. Broad trends
that may directly affect environmental quality
in the Vail Valley are summarized below:
1. Public opinion remains strongly
in support of environmental
protection.
80 percent of all Americans consider
themselves environmentalists.
Approximately 10 percent of all Americans
belong to an environmental group.
In the 1994 Town of Vail Community
Survey, residents identified environmental
issues as being some of the most important
issues to be addressed. Residents were
concerned about air quality, water quantity
and quality, waste management, and protec-
tion of open space.
People feel that environmental protection
laws have not gone far enough. In 1990, 64
percent of the American public felt that
environmental laws had not gone far enough.
This is significantly up from 1975 when only
3l% of the general public felt that environ-
mental laws had not gone far enough.
more if purchasing an environmentally
friendly product.
74 percent of Americans are willing to
accept slower economic growth for a cleaner
environment.
2. Increased state and local
government involvement in
environmental programs.
Local government has become more in-
volved in environmental issues for two reasons;
1) the federal government imposed responsi-
bilities on them and (2) town councils have
reacted to public opinion to enact their own
environmental laws. However, local govern-
ments are also increasingly finding difficulties
in trying to comply with federal regulatory
obligations without supporting funding.
3. The number of environmental
laws has increased dramatically
since NEPA.
There has been a dramatic increase in the
number of environmental laws since the pas-
sage of the National Environmental Policy Act
in 1970. This trend appears to be continuing.
Approximately 460 environmental protection
bills were introduced in the 102nd Congress.
This is almost a 25 percent increase from the
101st Congress when 373 bills where intro-
duced. However, there is an increasing call to
consolidate environmental laws and eliminate
contradictions and overlaps. The EPA is
attempting to do this through their regulatory
authority but this will be difficult until
Congress consolidates environmental commit-
tees and laws.
719io of people feel that too little is being
spent on protecting the environment. Public
opinion surveys consistently show that
people are willing to spend more on improv-
ing environmental quality. This trend has
gained momentum since 1975 when only
484/0 of the public felt that too little was
being spent on environmental protection.
Surveys also indicate that consumers
would be willing to pay up to 20 percent
4. Environmental law enforcement
increased significantly over the
last twenty years.
The EPA and Department of Justice have
significantly increased enforcement action in
the last twenty years. Between 1989-1991,
EPA assessed criminal and civil penalties of
201 million whereas between the years of
1972 and 1988 (16years) only $166 million in
penalties were collected. Locally, the 5th
10
Judicial District has initiated an environmental
law enforcement task force to aggressively
prosecute environmental violations.
5. There is an increasing emphasis
on pollution prevention and
efi~iciency.
Federal legislative approaches are moving
away from the strategy of the "cork" in which
they attempted to stop pollution at the end of
the pipe. This approach has proven to be
extremely expensive. Carol Browner, EPA
Administrator, plans to focus greater effort and
funding on pollution prevention. This
approach is aimed at eliminating the creation of
pollution. Since pollution from industry often
comes from inefficiencies in the production
process, pollution prevention has become
attractive to industry. Polluters are finding
large long-term cost savings in modifying their
production process to eliminate waste and
improve efficiency. Compliance, disposal, and
raw material costs for production can be signif-
icantly reduced through pollution prevention
strategies.
6. Increased emphasis on identify-
ing environmental indicators.
The EPA and environmental scientists are
increasingly spending more resources identify-
ing key environmental indicators in natural
systems that help determine the health of a
natural system. This approach considers how
different elements of an ecosystem interact and
how different types of pollution impact natural
systems.
7. Federal government implements
systems (Holistic) management
approach.
The concept of managing systems instead
of individual environmental components is
becoming increasingly popular in Congress,
the EPA, and other land management agencies.
The Forest Service, along with other Federal
Agencies, has adopted an ecosystem manage-
ment approach. It is also anticipated that when
the Clean Water Act is reauthorized in the next
year, watershed management will be a critical
element in the law requiring water quality and
quantity planning based on a systems
approach. A systems approach will also most
likely be adopted in the reauthorization of the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). ESA has
been criticized for not protecting natural
systems, but instead protecting individual
species when in fact their existence is at a
critical point due to a loss of habitat.
8. Rapid growth in mountain
states will strain resources.
Significant population growth is expected
to continue into the next five years. People
are moving from the coasts to mountain states
to find a better quality of life and escape
urban centers. Improvements in telecommuni-
cation will also increasingly allow people to
work away from urban centers. Eagle County
has grown significantly over the past 20 years
and continues to grow rapidly. There has been
a 90% increase in the number of school age
children since 1980. Total population in Eagle
County has grown from 7,498 in 1970 to
27,671 in 1990, an increase of 369%.
Colorado as a whole is one of the fastest
growing states in the United States.
9. IVlarket approaches to
environmental regulation will
be increasingly used.
The Bush Administration began using
market incentives to control pollution with
the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment which
established a market for major components of
acid rain. Companies now pay for tons of
sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide (major pollu-
tants that cause acid rain) that they may emit
through the Chicago Board of Trade. The
Clinton administration has indicated a desire
to make greater use of economic incentives
and market forces in environmental programs.
Use of Feebate systems are discussed fre-
quently (charging a surcharge to polluters
and using those funds as a financial incentive
for non-polluters).
11
Fram~,~ork for
Environmental Protection
At the October, 1993 Vail Environmental
Odyssey's Search Conference participants
described the desirable Future they would like
to see for Vail's environment and developed
action areas that needed to be addressed to
attain Vail's desirable future. The participants'
description of Vail's desirable future was used
to develop a vision statement. The Vail
Environmental Vision provides the direction
for environmental programs. This statement
recognizes the link between environmental
quality and economic development and that a
balance is needed between these two elements.
It also recognizes the need to maintain a
healthy environment and economy for future
generations. The goals mentioned below pro-
vide aframework to attain Vail's environmental
vision:
The specific actions for each area were
reviewed and similarities between areas were
identified to consolidate actions to create four
major goal areas for the plan. These four goal
areas are:
Sustainable Land Use
Regulation and Development
Ensure Town of Vail regulations and
policies relating to development are congruent
with the carrying capacity of the area's natural
environment and man-made resources and
encourage sustainable economic development.
Ecosystem Protection
Protect the areas natural resources (air,
water, soils, and natural habitat) and recognize
that they are interconnected and interdepen-
dent.
VAIL'S
ENVIRONMENTAL
VISION
The Town of Vail will be a leader
in natural resource stewardship
and will strive as a community
to attain environmental
and economic sustainability."
A total of 8 action areas were identified at
the Search Conference that included:
A. Become an environmental leader.
B. Redefine development philosophy.
C. Create a stronger sense of community.
D. Maintain and improve the ecosystem.
E. Maintain a relation of economic and
environmental consideration in growth.
F. Protect open space.
G. Improve environmental efficiency.
H. Improve mass transit and non-motorized
transportation.
Environmental Efficiency
Improve efficiency in water, energy, and
waste management in businesses, residences,
and in government.
Environmental Management
and Compliance
Ensure environmental compliance through
proactive environmental management that will
identify Vail as an environmental leader.
Each of these goal areas supports Vail's
environmental vision and is supported by
action plans and resources. The next four
chapters will discuss each of these goal areas
in detail.
12
5
Sustainable Land Use
Regulation and Development
BACKGROUND
Sustainable development encompasses a
number of issues including: re-examining the
Town's development philosophy, improving
residents' and guests' sense of community, and
balancing environmental protection and eco-
nomic development. Sustainable development
is a planning methodology where development
or redevelopment is controlled by the long-
term availability of resources. Sustainable
development can be defined as development
that meets the needs and aspirations of the
present without compromising the ability of
future generations (i.e., humans and other
species) to meet their own needs. Sustainable
development involves understanding where
sensitive natural resources are and how ele-
ments (e.g., vegetation, animals, geology, water
quality, air quality) of a natural system are
interconnected. By understanding the carry-
ing capacity of natural and man-made sys-
tems, planners can identify opportunities for
development or redevelopment that are com-
patible with the natural environment.
Carrying capacity in a natural system can
be compared to carrying capacity on a man-
made system such as an elevator. If the carry-
ing capacity is 10 people for an elevator and
12 people get in, the elevator may not break
but it may not work as efficiently. However, if
20 people squeezed in, there is a chance that
the cables might break without warning.
Carrying capacity can be defined as that point
where the additional use of a resource results
in a degraded condition. If people can develop
without exceeding carrying capacities for
natural and man-made resources then they
are living sustainably. It should also be
acknowledged that with technology or mitiga-
tion the use of a resource and its carrying
capacity can be increased. For example, state
of the art water treatment technology can
increase the number of people that could be
supported in an area if water treatment is a
limiting factor. However, the costs, benefits,
and effectiveness of implementing mitigation
or state of the art technology have to be
evaluated on a case by case basis.
In practical terms, sustainable develop-
ment means ensuring that development does
not exceed carrying capacity, e.g., a develop-
mentdoes not permanently impact wetlands,
the vegetative cover around streams and
lakes, or displace wildlife. In order to create a
sustainable community, the Town will also
inevitably need to reduce waste generation,
minimize energy and water usage, as well as
make sure development does not exceed the
ability to provide water, power, sewage treat-
ment, and other public services without
deteriorating environmental quality.
Determining carrying capacity involves
determining what the natural and man-made
resources can accommodate without being
permanently degraded. By staying within the
community's carrying capacity, the Town will
act as a global partner with other communi-
ties to help address the world's environmental
concerns. By acting locally, the Town
13
becomes part of the solution in solving global
environmental problems.
In the context of this plan, the geographic
area far determining carrying capacity will
vary depending on the resource in question.
For example, when considering water quantity
the entire Eagle River basin should be exam-
ined since Vail depends on water from Black
Lakes and now the upper Eagle River. The
primary geographic area of concern for air
quality is in the Vail Valley in that woodburn-
ing in Vail Valley is the most significant factor
that influences airborne particulate matter.
OBJECTIVES
Ensure development does not exceed
carrying capacity for both human and
natural resources through implementation
of environmental programs, policies, and
regulations.
Develop a transportation system that
minimizes impacts to natural and man-made
resources.
Educate residents and businesses on
strategies to foster environmental steward-
ship.
Promote and recognize sustainable devel-
opment and environmental (eco) tourism
e.g., interpretive hiking, environmental
education on Vail Mountain).
Instill a strong sense of community for
residents through the implementation of
environmental programs.
ACTIONS
1. Through an environmental assessment of
the community, determine key resources
that need defined carrying capacities. The
Town then needs to identify those carrying
capacities and develop strategies for staying
within those limits. The Town will need to
identify mitigation strategies if carrying
capacity has been exceeded for critical man-
made or natural resources.
2. Develop incentives to promote a sustain-
able community in Vail.
3. Improve public involvement in environ-
mental programs through regular newspaper
articles, involvement in projects, and local
access T.V.
4. Encourage businesses and government to
adopt The Vail Environmental Principles
Tailored from the Valdez Principles)
through education and incentives.
The Vail Environmental Principles
1. Sustainable use of natural resources
2. Reduction of disposable waste
3. Wise use of energy
4. Environmental risk reduction
5. Marketing of safe products and
services
6. Disclosure of environmental risk
7. Designate an envirnnmental manager
8. Annual environmental
audits/assessments
5. Review international, national, and state
policies for sustainable development and as
appropriate, draft local regulations/polices
that support them.
6. Implement the Maurie Nottingham
Environmental Quality Award to recognize
businesses and individuals that demonstrate
environmental leadership. Criteria for this
award have been developed and would be
awarded based on the ability of the appli-
cant to meet those criteria.
7. Develop or tighten regulations, as neces-
sary, to help ensure development does not
exceed carrying capacity for human or
natural resources and is consistent with the
community's mountain character. This
action would include the following tasks:
a. Review Design Review Board guide-
lines For buildings and landscaping to
ensure the design principles are environ-
mentally sound.
b. Reevaluate the criteria and need for
the Hillside Residential District.
19
from Dillon to
Parachute along the
I-70 corridor and
reaches south to
Aspen and Leadville.
The estimated cost to
implement the high
priority actions is
350 million. The
Town of Vail would
benefit significantly
by the proposed rail
d. Update the Vail Land Use Plan.
e. Complete text changes to the
Agriculture Open Space and Greenbelt
Natural Open Space zone districts as
well as review parcel zoning and make
necessary rezoning changes to ensure
effective protection of sensitive natural
open spaces.
8. Utilize carrying capacity thresholds when
reviewing development applications. For
example, this would involve evaluating
water availability and the ability to maintain
adequate stream flows and using that infor-
mation in reviewing development.
9. Review the Inter-Mountain Transpor-
tation Plan and determine how the Town of
Vail should assist in the implementation of
this plan. This plan identifies actions to
improve mass transit, cycling, and pedestri-
an transportation in the Inter-Mountain
Transportation Region. This region extends
from Denver to Vail.
10. The efforts of the Vail Housing
Authority should be acknowledged and
supported in providing housing to Vail
employees. Over 2,700 employees commute
to Vail every day from Leadville, Gypsum
and everywhere in between. This commute
is necessary because housing is often
beyond the economic means of Vail
employees. Providing housing to employees
in Vail decreases the significant environ-
mental impacts of automobile traffic and
increases the sense of community in the
Town. By maintaining a strong sense of
community, residents are more likely to
become active in protecting their environ-
ment. Providing "attainable" housing for
Vail employees will help make Vail a more
environmentally sustainable community
and should be a high priority for business-
es, private citizens, and the Town.
15
c. Protect riparian areas around Gore
Creek and its tributaries.
6 Ecosystem Protection
BACKGROUND
Ecosystem protection provides a holistic
approach to resource management. An ecosys-
tem can be defined as a community of indepen-
dentorganisms (plants and animals) and the
abiotic (nonliving) environment they inhabit
and interact with in a geographic area.
Ecosystem management involves maintain-
ing ahealthy natural and man-made system.
Traditionally, environmental regulations have
focused on key problem areas such as a major
point source of water pollution or trying to
save an endangered species in an area. Trying
to mitigate the symptoms of environmental
degradation has led to reacting to major envi-
ronmental problems rather than trying to
prevent them in the first place. Environmental
scientists and policy makers now see that
ecosystem management is a more effective
method of
protecting the
environment.
The Town of
Vail is located
within a
sensitive
ecosystem that
provides
critical habitat
to a number of
terrestrial and
aquatic.
species. The
water quality
and air quality
are also sensi-
tive to devel-
opment. Since
an ecosystem
can consist of
thousands of
species, geo-
logic and soil
conditions,
water
resources, and
air quality, it is
essential to
determine key
elements of an
ecosystem that reflect the general health of a
natural system. For instance, a healthy rain-
bow trout population can be an effective indi-
cator of good water quality. Therefore it is not
necessary to measure every organism in an
ecosystem to protect it, although it is necessary
to carefully determine indicator measurements
and thresholds for those measurements. It
should also be acknowledged that no one
governmental entity can protect an ecosystem,
since an ecosystem boundary does not conform
to political boundaries. Therefore, collabora-
tion among governmental entities and private
property owners in an ecosystem is necessary
to ensure effective protection.
OBJECTIVES
Determine key thresholds for air quality,
water quality, and protection of critical
habitat in and around the Town of Vail as
they relate to development or human
induced stress.
Ensure a sustainable trout population in
the Gore Creek.
Identify and protect sensitive natural areas
e.g. wetlands, riparian areas, critical habitat,
wellhead protection areas, aquifer recharge
areas, view corridors, areas prone to ero-
sion, and steep slopes.
Reduce PMIO levels through wood fire-
place conversions and best management
practices (e.g, volcanic cinders, regular
street sweeping) of winter road applications.
ACTIONS
1. Conduct an environmental assessment of
the Town of Vail. This study would identify
environmental risks (hazardous materials
that could be released, obstruction of
wildlife corridors, use of chlorine in pools)
and impacts in the Town. It would also
provide recommendations to improve effi-
ciency in the use of natural resources.
The assessment will also help identify key
thresholds for the use of natural resources
and public services. A major benefit of this
assessment would be to establish a baseline
for environmental quality by which future
environmental programs could be measured.
16
It would also help identify the need for new
regulations or modifications to existing
regulations.
2. Implement the Comprehensive Open
Lands Plan. The action plan may need to be
modified after the environmental assessment
of the community is completed.
3. Implement an information program for
residents, guests, and students to improve
the communities understanding of our
ecosystem. This program could include an
environmental summer camp, volunteer
youth and adult) environmental projects,
newspaper articles, and expansion of pro-
gramsoffered at the Vail Nature Center.
4. Evaluate existing policies to determine if
changes are required or whether new polices
are needed to protect the ecosystem. This
may include:
a. controls on development to protect
sensitive natural areas.
6. landscape requirements to minimize
water consumption, improve wildlife
habitat, and to protect mature trees.
c. air quality regulations.
d. regulations/policies to reduce water
quality impacts from nonpoint source
contribution.
e. water conservation.
F. wellhead protection program to pre-
vent impacts to groundwater wells.
5. Conduct a habitat study of the Gore
Creek to determine species composition and
numbers. This study would evaluate habitat
conditions and water quality and determine
what steps are needed to protect or improve
aquatic habitat in Gore Creek. The next and
most important step of this study would be
to implement specific actions from the study.
One key outcome of this study would be to
determine optimal stream Flows to maintain
Vail's Gold Medal fishing status.
6. Implement a stream watch program to
better manage the Gore Creek and enforce
regulations. This program would involve
training volunteers to help report violations
of DOW fishing regulations and TOV
regulations. They can also serve as an
informational source for recreationalists
and fisherman using Gore Creek.
7. Complete an urban wildlife study for
Vail which would utilize the information in
the Open Lands Plan. This study would
focus on identifying and improving wildlife
corridors and educating residents on living
in a mountain community where individu-
als may come in close contact with wildlife.
Another aspect of this program should be
an effort to encourage residents to use bear
proof garbage cans to reduce conflicts with
Black Bears. This may involve requiring
bear proof garbage cans for new develop-
ment and/or requiring these type of con-
tainers for areas that are experiencing bear
problems.
8. Work with the White River Forest
Service and the County to promote an eco-
system approach to forest and land man-
agement.
9. Develop a tree and vegetation protection
program that respects private property
rights and ensures the protection of valu-
able trees and other vegetation critical for
wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and soil stabi-
lization. This program would encourage the
use of native species with low water
demands. Educatjon and possibly regula-
tions should be implemented that reduce
dependency on chemicals and water for
landscaping.
10. Continue the annual Trees For Vail
event and implement the Town of Vail
Landscape Plan.
11. The I-70 corridor is a major source of
environmental impacts in the Vail area.
Noise, water, and air pollution are generat-
ed by interstate vehicular traffic. Action
needs to be taken to reduce these impacts.
The first part of this action would be a
feasibility study to determine the best
methods for mitigating specific impacts
along the I-70 corridor. The second part of
this action would be implementing the
mitigation actions.
17
7 Environmental Efficiency
BACKGROZTND
This goal area focuses on resource conser-
vation in the Town of Vail in three areas: ener-
gy, water and waste management. Resource
conservation is an integral component in a
sustainable community. It reduces the amount
of nonrenewable resources that are required to
supply a community and it reduces the amount
of waste generated that must be disposed or
emitted into the environment.
OBJECTIVES
1. Reduce total energy consumption per
capita in the Town of Vail by 5% by the
year 2000.
2. Reduce per capita domestic water con-
sumption by 15% by the year 2000.
3. Develop a comprehensive waste manage-
ment program
that will
reduce the
disposal of
waste by (as
measured in
tons per year
measured at
the Eagle
County
Landfill) 30%
within the
Town of Vail
by 2000 and
reduce toxicity
in the waste
stream.
ACTIONS
It should be
noted that
each of the
action areas
For energy,
water, and
waste manage-
ment have an
education,
incentive, and
regulation
component to
them. There is also a preference to first imple-
menteducational and incentive programs
before implementing new regulations.
However, it is recognized that regulation may
be the only effective way to achieve the above
stated objectives. It should also be noted that
programs need to be tailored to different
populations in the Vail community including
primary and second home owners, guests,
business owners, and employees.
1. Establish a baseline in 1995 for water
conservation, energy conservation, and
waste production so that the implementation
of the above mentioned objectives can be
measured.
2. Develop a comprehensive energy
conservation program through the following
methods:
a. Education on energy saving devices
and building techniques.
b. Provide energy audits for residences
and buildings to determine the most cost
effective means of reducing energy
consumption.
c. Provide tours of energy efficient model
homes.
d. Create incentives for implementing
energy conservation techniques.
e. Create or change Town regulations to
mandate energy conservation in building
practices.
f. Expand mass transit to reduce gas
consumption.
g. Develop and distribute a List of energy
conserving appliances that can be pur-
chased in the area.
3. Work with the Vail Valley Consolidated
Water District to determine water use
patterns and then develop a water conserva-
tion report which will recommend water
conservation techniques that might include:
a. Education on water conservation.
18
b. Working with home and business
owners to recommend the most cost
effective methods for water conservation.
c. Incentives for implementing water
conservation techniques.
d. Tours of model homes or buildings
that use water conservation technology.
e. Changes in regulations to reduce
water consumption (e.g. low water
landscaping requirements, building
codes on low flow toilets and shower
heads).
f. Developing and distributing a list of
water saving products.
4. Implement an integrated solid waste
management program for the Town of Vail
that will utilize the following hierarchy:
1) reduce, 2) reuse, 3) and recycle.
Reduction is the first priority because it can
be the most cost effective and is the most
environmentally friendly approach to waste
management. Reusing and recycling waste
divert refuse from landfills but they do
require energy and a processing system to
operate. The following will be components
of this program:
a. Use the Northwest Colorado Council
of Governments solid waste study for
Eagle County to determine waste stream
characteristics in the Town of Vail.
b. Develop an educational program and
incentives to encourage individuals and
businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
c. Through education and incentives
encourage food service establishments to
buy recycled materials, use reusable
products, and to implement recycling.
d. Develop programs or policies to
reduce the generation of construction
waste.
e. Develop a composting program to
divert yard waste from the landfill.
E Work with We Recycle to increase
waste diversion to 30% by 2000 based on
the baseline year mentioned in action 1.
g. Encourage users of hazardous mate-
rials through education and incentives
to use less toxic products and when
they do use hazardous materials to
safely store and dispose of them.
h. Develop a program to encourage
households to use clean alternatives to
household hazardous waste generating
products (e.g. pesticides, herbicides,
cleaners).
i. Evaluate and implement, if feasible,
an impact fee for new development or
redevelopment to pay for recycling and
waste disposal services.
j. Evaluate and implement, if feasible, a
bottle deposit that would provide an
economic incentive for individuals to
return bottles for reuse.
5. Evaluate and implement, if Feasible, a
green tax on products which are wasteful
or simply not environmentally friendly.
This would be an additional sales tax on
specific products that are not environmen-
tally friendly i.e., disposable bags, house-
hold hazardous materials. The concept
behind this type of tax is that it discourages
the use of "wasteful" products and provides
a revenue source for environmental pro-
grams. The economic impacts benefits
would have to be closely examined before
implementing this action.
6. An alternative to action #5 is identifying
and promoting products that are environ-
mentally friendly (i.e. minimize packaging,
recyclable, use recycled materials, non-
toxic). This can be done with a "green" tag
or through a list of green products that are
available in the community.
7. Develop an incentive program to encour-
age the development of "green" buildings
which accomplish the objectives mentioned
above. Incentives could include additional
GRFA, density, or other incentives.
19
E:~
2. Have the
Town of Vail
recognized as
an environ-
mental leader
through
implementa-
tion of envi-
ronmental
programs.
ACTIONS
1. Conduct an environmental review of
Town facilities and programs to ensure
compliance with federal, state, and local
environmental regulations. This review will
recommend specific action that the Town
needs to take to reduce natural resource
consumption and environmental risk.
2. Identify sources of hazardous materials in
the Town and recommend clean alternatives,
if available, and provide property owners
with information on proper handling and
disposal of hazardous materials.
3. Implement a training program for Town
staff and other key agencies to effectively
respond to hazardous waste incidents.
4. Identify locations of all underground and
above ground storage tanks and provide
recommendations to reduce environmental
risk.
5. Identify grants for environmental pro-
grams and actively seek out environmental
awards that Vail might be eligible for.
6. Evaluate whether a new Environmental
Commission is required to provide guidance
for Town environmental programs.
7. Host environmental conferences and
forums to inform residents of environmental
issues and to help recognize Vail as an
environmental leader.
8. Provide environmental educational
opportunities, e.g. summer camp for high
school students. It may be desirable to
develop an environmental educational
institute or learning center to provide valu-
able educational opportunities and to act as
a cornerstone for identifying Vail as an
environmental leader.
9. Develop a means to inform business and
general contractors about new Federal and
State of Colorado environmental regulations
e.g. notification of asbestos abatement).
10. Install a dedicated environmental
hotline.
20
Environmental 1~dlanagement
and Compliance
BACKGROUND
This goal area is focused on ensuring the
Town of Vail is a leader in environmental
management and compliance. The number of
environmental regulations that municipalities
must comply with continues to increase sign~-
cantly. The Town of Vail wants to go one step
beyond compliance and be proactive to
potentially new environmental regulations that
are on the horizon. Through a program of
proactive environmental management, Vail will
become a recognized leader in environmental
quality.
OBJECTIVES
1. Develop a proactive environmental man-
agementprogram that will address ever
increasingly stringent environmental
regulations.
9 Implementation
Implementation of this plan
will require time, money, people,TABLE 3
and cooperation among stake-Implementation Costs
holders in the community. Full Year Cost
implementation will also require
cooperation from other govern-
1995 $28,250 (excludes revision of land use plan)
mental entities since environ-1996 $29,000
mental issues do not stop at 1997 $71,000
political boundaries. The objec-1998 $71,000
five of this section is to summa-
Total $199,250
rize the actions stated in the four
goal areas, estimate costs, set Notes: a. Costs exclude open lands plan costs of $4.5 million
priorities, and identify stake-paid from Real Estate Transfer Tax.
holders that are needed to imple-b. Costs exclude mass transit costs ($90 - $350 million) since
ment the actions. It should be implementation schedule still needs to be defined by Inter-
recognized that several actions
Mountain Planning Region.
apply to two or more goal areas.c. Annual ongoing cost will initially be $4,500.
For example the environmental
assessment discussed in the sustainable devel-
opmentgoal area is also an action for ecosys-
tem protection.
COSTS
The implementation of this plan is based
on a four year action plan. Many of the pro-
grams or policies implemented in this four year
period will be ongoing in nature and will
require monitoring. Table 3 lists the associated
costs that are estimated for each year of the
implementation plan. These costs reflect the
actions that are described in Table 4.
ACTION PLAN
This plan has three basic types of actions;
1) education, 2) incentives, and 3) regulation.
All three of this actions have costs both eco-
nomic and political. It is recommended that all
three of these techniques be used but that
priority be given to education and incentives.
In some cases, it may be necessary to quickly
pass new regulations, particularly in the area of
land use controls. It should be noted that local
regulations have to be at least as stringent or
more stringent than Federal or State of
Colorado Regulations.
Table d summarizes the major actions and
how they will be implemented. Each action
may apply to several goal areas. The third
column lists the applicable goal areas that
apply to each action. Action costs are rough
estimates and may be shared by several stake-
holders. This plan is intended to provide a
work program for the Town of Vail and iden-
tify other stakeholders to participate in imple-
mentation. This plan does not obligate them in
any way to participate in this plan. However,
this will give the Town direction in terms of
other stakeholders it should encourage to
participate in this plan's implementation.
FINANCING
IIVIPLEIVIENTATION
Currently the Town funds environmental
programs at approximately $20,000 per year
and has two staff members to work on envi-
ronmental programs and carry out environ-
mental health inspections. The plan will
require creative methods to fully implement
this program with existing resources.
Additional sources of funding that could be
used include:
US EPA Grants
The Environmental Protection Agency
has over a 100 different grants where a
municipality or state may apply to obtain
funding for environmental programs. The
Town has obtained over $20,000 in EPA
grants through Northwest Colorado Council
of Governments to help fund the stormwater
discharge study. Many EPA grants require
matching funding and a significant amount of
work to complete the grant application.
21
Nevertheless, this funding source should be
pursued to augment Town funds.
Technical Assistance
The Northwest Colorado Council of
Governments awards three technical assistance
grants a year for planning projects. The Town
was awarded a technical assistance grant to
identify environmental trends that may affect
Vail in the future. It is recommended that the
Town continue to pursue these grants from
NWCCOG for planning-related environmental
projects. Also other Federal and quasi public
agencies provide technical assistance to com-
munities. For instance, the National Park
Service has a technical assistance grant for
river and stream management. The National
Heritage Program can provide assistance in
identifying sensitive natural areas. Another
organization that could provide technical
services to the Town is the Sustainable Futures
Society. The Sustainable Futures Society
consists of professors and other environmental
professionals who can assist with community
environmental projects. The State of Colorado
can also provide technical assistance through
the Office of Business Development and the
OElice of Energy Conservation.
band Trusts
Organizations like the Nature Conser-
vancy or Colorado Open Iands can help
communities cost-effectively protect environ-
mentally sensitive open space. These types of
organizations can have significant financial
backing and experience in protecting natural
resources.
Volunteer Community Support
Community volunteers could be used on
many of the recommendations. For instance
local naturalists could assist with habitat stud-
ies. We Recycle could provide valuable assis-
tance in the development of an integrated solid
waste program. The real estate community
could possibly assist with open houses for
energy efficient homes.
Volunteer Environmental Educ1,~:... S
Environmental education is a key compo-
nent of this plan. Educational programs are
needed for schools, businesses, government,
and the general public. The Vail Valley has
many individuals that have significant knowl-
edge and interest in environmental issues. The
Town and other stakeholders may fmance the
creation of educational programs but could use
volunteers to inform residents and businesses
on various environmental topics mentioned in
this plan.
Impact Fees
A possible source of revenue that has
been used in other communities is to create a
development impact fee to fund certain types
of environmental projects. For instance an
impact fee could be established for new devel-
opment or redevelopment that would help
create a fund for waste management, habitat
improvement and tree replanting.
Private/Public Partnerships
Collaborative efforts between the Town
and other interested stakeholders should be an
integral component of implementing this plan.
Organizations that have an environmental
interest should be approached to cooperatively
implement programs. For instance both Vail
Associates and the Vail Alpine Gardens have
expressed an interest in providing environmen-
tal education. The Town has worked with the
County, fireplace retailers, and Public Service
to develop an incentive program to encourage
property owners to convert dirty burning
fireplaces to clean burning state of the art
units. The Town should actively seek other
interested stake holders to collaborate with on
environmental programs.
Universities
Universities and colleges are also sources
of technical assistance. Most universities have
natural resource or environmental science
programs with graduate students who might be
utilized to work on projects. Working with
graduate students on environmental projects
can provide the Town with free or inexpensive
labor while providing the student an opportu-
nity to complete thesis or graduate course
work.
Extend Time Frame
The annual cost for implementing the
action plan could be reduced by extending the
implementation schedule.
22
i
Stsrt
Year Action
Ongoing Work with the USFS &
County to implement
ecosystem management
Ongoing Seek out environmental
awards and grants
Ongoing Air Quality Program
Ongoing Implement Open Lands
Plan
Ongoing Environmental
Quality Award
Ongoing Improve public education
and involvement
1995 Complete Open Land
Zone District changes
1995 Determine baseline
for energy usage,
water usage, and waste
generation
1995 Prepare Tree/Vegetation
Protection Ordinance
1995 Create a dedicated
environmental hotline
1995 Develop a water
conservation program
1995 Evaluate need to create an
environmental commission
1995 Revise Land Use Plan
1995 Develop an Integrated
Waste Management
Program
1996 I Revise EIR regulation
1996 Implement a habitat
improvement program
for Gore Creek
1996 I Environmental
Assessment (EA)
1996 I Revising DRB
and zoning regulations
TABLE 4
Action Plan
Applicable Time
Goal(s) Requirement
2 Ongoing
4
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
All
1, 2
3
Ongoing
Ongoing
1994-9T
1995-99
Ongoing
3 months
3 months
2
4
1, 3
4
1, 2
1, 3
3 months
N/A
1 year
2 months
1 year
1 year
1, 2 12 months
2 ( 2 years
1,2,4
I, 2
1 year
1 year
Eet. Coat/
Staff Time
40 hours/year
120 hours/year
2,000
4.5 million
500
2,000 for educa-
tional material
80 hours
4,0001
120 hours
1,000 for
intern
250
8,000
30 hours
160,000
CIP Budget
15,000
40 hours
15,000
24 months
12,000
200 hours
Stakeholders
TOV, USFS, VA
White River
National Forest
TOV, businesses,
residents
TOV, Public Service Co.,
retailers, banks
Council & staff
TOU, VA,
Public Service Co.
TOV, VA, USFS,
Nature Center
TOV & residents
TOV, VA, Holy Cross,
Public Service, Vail
Valley Consolidated
Water District
Vail Alpine Garden,
TOV Landscapers
TOV -Comm Dev
TOV, Water
District, NWCCOG '
Council, PEC,
stall'
TOV & public
TOV, We Recycle,
BFI, NWCCOG
TOV
Trout Unlimited,
DOW, TOV
Town of Vail,
business owners
Comm Dev & public
23
i
Start
Year
1496
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1998
1998
1998
1998
Note: This
Action
Develop incentives to
promote environmentally
friendly economic
development
Review implementation
of InterMountain
Transportation Plan
Education to promote
sustainable development
practices
Education on area
ecosystem
Host annual environmental
symposium
Habitat improvement
for wildlife
Begin implementing
recommendations from
Stormwater Discharge Plan
Develop a hazardous
material assistance program
Implement a model home
program to demonstrate
energy, water, and natural
resource conservation
Conduct an energy audit
of community and
develop energy
conservation strategies
I Develop an [-70
environmental mitigation
plan
Table reflects estimated costs.
TABLE 4 (Continued)
Action Plan
Applicable Time Est. Cost/
Goal(s) Requirement Staff Time
1 6 months I $2,000 for
promotion
1 ~ 10 years ~ 200 hours
1, 3
1, 2
4
2
2
4
3
1, 3
2, 4
Ongoing
Ongoing
12 months
6 months
6 months
4 months
4 months
5,000
1,000
100 hours
15,000
50,000
10,000
1,000
ar $10,000
ar $50,000
Stalceholdere
Town of Vail,
private sector
Inter-Mountain
Flanning Region &
CDOT & U.S. DOT
TOV, Rocky Mt.
Institute, building
community
Nature Center, TOV,
Alpine Gardens,
schools
Vail Symposium,
TOV
TOV, DOW, USFS,
National Heritage
Program
TOV, VA,
Water District
Fire Dept. and
Env. Health
TOV, Home builders
Assoc., Board of
Realtors
TOV, Holy Cross,
Public Service,
Rocky Mt. Institute,
builders
TOV, DOT
29
to Conclusion
The Vail Environmental Strategic Plan
defines a direction to make Vail an environ-
mental leader. Proactive environmental man-
agement and stewardship are essential in
maintaining the natural mountain character of
Vail. Protecting the natural character of Vail is
also essential to ensure long-term economic
vitality since the valley's natural resources are
a key element in the economic success of Vail.
This Plan defines a vision statement that
the Town will strive to obtain. To reach this
vision four goal areas have been defined and
actions plans were developed to address these
goals. The four goal areas cover a comprehen-
sive list of environmental issues from air quali-
ty protection to environmentally sound design
principles. The plan also defimes an implemen-
tation plan with estimated costs to provide a
practical means of implementing this plan.
This plan provides a framework for envi-
ronmental management, education, and regula-
tion in the Town of Vail. Benefits of this plan's
implementation include:
1. Directly addressing concerns identified in
the 1994 community survey by providing a
long-range environmental workplan to
protect and improve Vail's environment.
2. Improving cooperation and collaboration
with other stakeholders on environmental
programs.
3. Recognizing Vail as a leader in environ-
mental stewardship.
4. Improving the sense of community by
active participation in the implementation of
this plan by residents, businesses, interest
groups, and government.
5. Keeping Vail environmentally proactive
and reducing compliance costs.
Implementation of the four year action
plan will allow these benefits to be realized.
Many of the actions outlined in Table 4 will
also require ongoing support. This plan
provides a direction for attaining the Town's
environmental vision and is also dynamic so
that actions can be modified to adjust for
changes in trends and public concerns.
Monitoring implementation will also be
required to ensure effectiveness.
Through this strategic planning process,
the Town of Vail will set a standard for envi-
ronmental protection and natural resource
stewardship. The Town will join other com-
munities in helping to solve global environ-
mental challenges through local actions.
Thinking globally and acting locally has been
a key ingredient in making Vail an interna-
tional leader as a ski resort and will also help
distinguish Vail as an environmental leader.
25
Appendix 1
ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESS STORIES
In 1980 the Town of Vail completed a Gore
Valley Capacity Study which was prepared by
Gage Davis Associates, Inc. The study consist-
ed of a series of surveys and questionnaires
which were conducted on 25 days during the
course of the entire 1979-1980 ski season.
Seven different surveys were conducted in all,
on both peak and non-peak days. Surveys
applicable to environmental issues include: The
Skier Survey, The Transportation Survey, and
The Employee Housing Survey. In addition,
data was gathered regarding water and sewage
usage, weather and air quality, bus and parking
lot utilization, and zoning and development
statistics in the Gore Valley.
In 1980 the Town of Vail established a 1%
Real Estate Transfer Tax to acquire and pro-
tect open space in the Town of Vail.
In 1989 We Recycle was established as a not-
for-profit company to provide recycling ser-
vices to Eagle County. This has been a grass
roots effort in Eagle County that now diverts
approximately 4°l0 of the waste stream.
In 1990, the Town of Vail implemented
regulations that prohibited open hearth fire-
places from being built in the Town of Vail.
The Town also initiated an incentive program
to convert existing dirty burning fireplaces to
clean burning fu•eplaces. To date over 400
voluntary conversions have occurred and the
brown haze problem in the Town has been
significantly reduced.
In 1992 the Town initiated a Stormwater
Discharge program to reduce water quality
impacts from runoll". With the assistance of
NWCCOG the Town has completed a compre-
hensive survey of water quality impacts and is
now working on developing programs to
mitigate nonpoint sources of water quality
impacts.
In 1993, the Town completed a biological
survey of the Vail Valley with the assistance of
the National Heritage Program which identi-
fied sensitive natural areas in the Town that
should be protected.
In 1993 the Vail Symposium was focused on
healthy communities which in large part dis-
cussed environmental issues. The Director of
the United Nations Environmental Program
was a speaker at this symposium.
In 1993 the Town of Vail created the Maurie
Nottingham Environmental Quality Award to
recognize outstanding environmental programs
or efforts in the community.
In 1994 the Town of Vail adopted a compre-
hensive C-pen Lands Plan that laid out a 4 year
action plan to acquire or protect sensitive
natural areas and areas needed for outdoor
recreation.
In 1992, the Trees for Vail program was
initiated. This is an annual volunteer event in
the summer to plant trees in the Town of Vail.
The Town of Vail has adopted and begun
implementation of a landscape plan to improve
vegetative cover in public areas.
The Town of Vail has adopted a waste
management policy.
26
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS AND STUDIES
I. Environmental Assessments and
Impact Statements
1. Environmental Assessment:
Vail Ski Area Expansion.
White River National Forest -Holy Cross
Ranger District. Eagle County, Colorado,
November 25, 1986.
This Environmental Assessment discusses
amending the Vail Area Master Development
Plan. The Forest Service chose to adopt the
proposal which allows for the expansion of
existing boundaries of the Vail Area Ski Area
to include the headwater drainage of Mill
Creek and Two Elk Creek. This assessment
analyzes the issues, alternatives to the propos-
al, effects of the proposal and various alterna-
tives, and discusses mitigating measures which
could reduce the impacts. The document
specifically addresses environmental conse-
quences on the Biophysical and Socioeconomic
Environments.
2. I-7~lMain Interchange Improvements
Environmental Assessment.
By the U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration, and the
Colorado Department of Highways. October,
1987.
An Environmental Assessment of a pro-
posed project to modify the I-70/Main Vail
Interchange in Vail, Colorado. This document
addresses the following environmental impacts
and mitigation measures: Archaeology/
Paleontology, History, Sociology and Econom-
ics, Land Use, Air Quality, Noise, Ecology,
Wetlands, Threatened and Endangered
Species, Water Quality, Water Quality Per-
mits, Hydrology, Floodplain, Farmlands,
Right-Of--Way, Traffic Operations, Traffic
Safety, Park and Recreation Lands, and Public
Involvement.
II. Water Quality
Studies, Reports, Plans, and
Environmental Assessments
1. Upper Eagle Valley Nonpoint Source
Assessment and Control Plan. Volume 1:
Assessment of Nonpoint Sources.
Prepared for U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region VIII. February,
1980. By Engineering Science Inc.
Study is primarily concerned with exist-
ing and potential nonpoint sources of water
pollution in the Upper Eagle Valley of
Colorado. Source categories that are consid-
ered include, but are not limited to, urban
runoff, construction activity, highway runoff
and mining activities. In addition, the study
addresses the development of site specific
solutions for problems that are needed to
significantly reduce nonpoint source pollution
and to meet water quality standards.
2. Gore Creek Hydrology Report.
Prepared by Hydro-Triad, LTD. March
19, 1975.
The Gore Creek Hydrology Report
presents the methodology used for the hydro-
logic and hydraulic analyses utilized in the
Gore Creek Flood Plain Study. Important
environmental issues addressed include: Gore
Creek History and Basin Description,
Geology, Soils, Vegetal Cover, Hydrologic
Records, Moisture Sources, Rainfall
Precipitating, Snowfall Precipitation, Stream-
flow, Effects of Development on Flooding,
Design Floods, Gore Creek Channel
Characteristics, Characteristics of Flooding,
Flood Plain Computations and Methodology,
and Black Lake Dams.
3. Gore Creek Floodplain Information.
Colorado Water Conservation Board,
Vail, Eagle County, Colorado. Prepared by
Hydro-Triad, LTD. June, 1975.
This hydrologic study defines flooding
threats to existing development and provides
for orderly growth within the valley. In gener-
al, the study focuses on four major subjects
which are: Gore Creek Area History and
Background, Gore Creek Basin Description,
Hydrology, Channel Flow Characteristics,
and Flooding.
4. Gore Creek Floodplain Amendment.
Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Vail, Eagle County, Colorado. Prepared by
Hydro-Triad, LTD. January, 1978.
27
This Amendment to the Gore Creek
Floodplain Information Reports includes a
hydraulic evaluation of two new bridges on
Gore Creek. The Flood plains as previously
established in the Gore Creek Floodplain
Information Reports were revised accordingly.
5. Gore Creek 500 Year Recurrence
Interval Fioodplain.
Colorado Water Conservation Board. Vail,
Eagle County, Colorado. Prepared by Hydro-
Triad, LTD. November 2, 1976.
Enclosed in the study is a set of plates
delineating both the 100 year and 500 year
flood plains. A brief description of the Gore
Creek hydrology and discharge computations
is presented. Additionally, a discussion of Flood
stage computation procedure is included. The
document provides less detailed information
describing the basin, vegetation, and infiltra-
tion rates.
6. Gore Creek -Potential Flood Damage
and Improvement Recommendations.
Colorado Water Conservation Board. Vail,
Eagle County, Colorado. Prepared by Hydro-
Triad, LTD. November, 1975.
The report indicates several areas of
problem flooding along Gore Creek. It con-
tains recommendations for alleviation of dam-
ages during flood, recommendations for
maintaining roadway access during flooding,
and a suggested ordinance for systematic
usage. In effect, it is a flood plain management
tool which is aimed at striking a happy medium
between no flood plain development and the
kind of flood plain development which has
characterized our abuses of the rivers in the
past.
7. Gore Creek Valley Water Resources
study.
Prepared for Ken R. White Company,
Consulting Engineers. Denver, CO - Blatchly
Associates, Consulting Water Engineers,
Denver, CO. September, 1975.
Study includes an analysis of the water
supply position of the Vail Water and
Sanitation District, and an evaluation of the
potential for consolidating the Vail District
with five other municipal water organizations
in the Valley.
Preliminary Planning and Feasibility
Study: Reuse of Municipal Waste Water
Effluent.
Gore Creek Valley Water Authority
Committee, Vail, Colorado. In The Gore Creek
Valley and Upper Eagle Valley, Colorado.
November, 1978.
The report addresses the potential for
reuse of wastewater effluent generated from
the treatment plants at Vail and Avon,
Colorado. It found that, although technically
possible, none of the potential reuse alterna-
tives are even close to being cost effective, and
they lend little, if any, environmental benefit to
the area.
9. Vail Nonpoint Source Water Quality
Management Program Part I: Project
Results From 1992.
March, 1993. Prepared by Northeast
Colorado Council of Governments.
The project provides a detailed manage-
ment program which documents current and
potential water quality problems and provides
recommendations on management practices
and regulation controls to protect water quality
from nonpoint sources of pollutants.
10. Gilman Mine Water
Resource Study.
Gore Creek Valley Water Authority
Committee, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc.
Environmental Engineers. Denver, CO.
November, 1978.
The purpose of the report was to evaluate
the feasibility of using the Gilman Mine, and
others as water storage reservoirs, to provide
water supply and stream augmentation water
for some of the water districts located along
Gore Greek and the Upper Eagle River. The
study found that such usage of the mines was
technically possible, but not feasible.
11. Water Quality Consideration for
Highway Planning and Construction:
I-70 -Vail Pass, Colorado.
U.S. Forest Service, White River National
Forest, Glenwood Springs, CO. April, 1978.
28
The construction of the four-lane highway
over Vail Pass, Colorado, has provided the
opportunity to implement many new and
innovative erosion control measures on the
new and sensitive, high elevation, mountain
pass. This report evaluates the performance of
these erosion and sediment control structures.
12. I-70 in a Mountain Environment,
Uail Pass, Colorado.
Prepared by the Colorado Department of
Highways for the United States Department of
Transportation Federal Highway Adminis-
tration Office of Development in Cooperation
with the United States Forest Service.
October, 1987.
This booklet claims to illustrate a success-
ful environmental protection effort through the
interagency cooperation. The booklet stressed
that professional expertise provided by various
agencies presented a truly interdisciplinary
effort. In general, the book documents the
many innovative ideas, designs, and construc-
tion techniques used in the planning, design,
and construction of Interstate Highway 70
over Vail Pass. Successful solutions for many
of the sensitive environmental problems of the
highway development were found and applied
through the cooperation of many different
agencies and professionals.
III.Other Related Reports,
Studies, and Plans
I .Rapid Mass-Wasting Processes:
vail, co.
Arthur Mears, Gunnison, CO. April, 1977.
This report supplements maps of rapid
mass-wasting processes and related hazard
intensity designations prepared at the request
of the Town of Vail. It provides background
information about typical locations, causative
factors, and dynamics of debris flows, debris
floods, debris avalanches, rockfall, and rock
fall avalanches, all of which can occur within
the town limits of Vail.
2. Uail /Beaver Creek Winter Quality
Research.
Winter Quality Research Task Force.
Gage Davis Associates, Inc. 1980-1981.
Purpose of study moved from issues of
capacity to concern for measures of quality,
characteristics of the Vail market, the impact of
opening Beaver Creek, and comparison of Vail
and Beaver Creek. Chapter Four deals with
issues of growth and community development.
This chapter concluded that:
a. Significant consensus exists among all
skier groups that Vail is becoming over-
crowdedand congested and is in danger of
losing its attractiveness.
b. Support appears to exist for the concept
of developing public policies to restrict or
limit the rate of growth in Vail and Eagle
County.
c. Skiing in Vail is viewed as reaching the
point where it is becoming congested.
Support exists both for the expansion of
existing facilities and for continued use of
the ticket limitation survey.
3. Master Plan Town of Dail Municipal
Cemetery.
Prepared for the Town of Vail Community
Development Department by Alpine
International Design, Inc., Landscape
Architects; Harley Ellington Pierce Yee,
Architects and Planners; and The Sloane
Consulting Group, Management and
Consultants. October, 1993.
A preliminary environmental analysis was
conducted in November, 1992 by the Commu-
nity Development Department staff to identify
any sensitive environmental issues that might
be associated with the development of a ceme-
tery at Donovan Park. Using a series of ques-
tions designed to flag areas of higher risk, the
study suggests that the risks of impacts are
greatest in four areas: ecology, surface water,
ground water and aesthetics." Page 35.
Assessing each of these, the study con-
cludesthat, based on the conceptual design
plan, no significant impact is anticipated from
the development of a cemetery at Donovan
Park.
29
Appendix 2
Common Wildlife Species in Vail
Species Scientific Name
Black bear
Elk
Mule deer
Snowshoe bare
Bobcat
Red Fox
Mountain lion
Coyote
Porcupine
Pine marten
Red squirrel
Deer mouse
Nuttall's wttontail
Long-tailed weasel
Red-backed vole
Bat
Bald eagle
Golden eagle
Perigrine falcon
Red-tailed hawk
Northern goshawk
Northern 3-toed
woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker
Northern flicker
MacGillivary's
warbler
Pygmy nuthatch
Warbling vireo
Red crosshill
Green-tailed
towhee
V'irginia's warbler
Cedar waxwing
Magpie
Stellar's jay
Gray jay
Tree swallow
Tiger salamander
MAMMALS
Ursus americanua
Cerws elaphus
Odocoileus hemonius
Lepus americanus
Lynx rufus
I+ Vulpes fulva
Felix concolor
Canis latrans
Erethizon dorsatum
Manes americans
Sciurius hudsonicus
Peromyscus spp.
Sylvilagua nuttalli
Mustela frenata
Microtis clethrionomys
Myotis app.
BIRDS
Haleaeetus leucocephalus
Aquila chrysaetos
Falco peregrinus
Buteo jamaicensis
Accipiter gentilis
Picoides tridactylus
Picoides villosus
Colaptes auratus
Ctporomis tolmiei
Sitta pygmaea
Vireo gilvus
Loxia curvirostra
Pipilo chlorurus
Vermivora virginiae
Bombycilla cedrorum
Pica pica
Cyanocitta stelleri
Perisoreus canadensis
Tachycineta bicolor
AMPHIBIAN
Ambystoma tigrinum
Sensitivity to Habitat
Lose and Human Activity
Sensitive
Sensitive
Sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Min: Moderately sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Minimally sensitive
Moderately sensitive
Sensitive
30
References
Alberti, Marina, Jonathan Parker, Indices of Environmental Quality, The Search for Credible
Measures, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Elsevier Science Publishing.
Bryson, John M. and Robert C. Elsevier, editors, Strategic Planning: Threats and Opportunities
for Planners, Planners Press, American Planning Association, Chicago, IL, 1988.
Chirac, Daniel, Lessons from Nature, Learning to Live Sustainably on Earth, Island Press,
Washington D.C., 1992.
Costanza, Robert, Herman E. Daly, Natural Capital and Sustainable Development,
Conservation Biology, March 1992.
Cramton Jr., Martin R and Carol Stealey Morris, Managing Growth Through Strategic Planning,
Urban Land, April 1986, pp. 2-5.
Montell, Michael, Stephen Harper, Luther Propet, Creating Successful Communities, Island Press,
Washington D.C., 1990.
Oraians, Gordan, Ecological Concepts of Sustainabiiity, Environment, November 1990.
Rees, William, A Role for Environmental Assessment in Achieving Sustainable Development,
Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Elsevier Science Publishing Co. August, 1988.
State of Colorado -Executive Office, Colorado Environment 2000, 1989.
Town of Vail, The Uail Overview, Community Relations Division, 1993.
Town of Vail, Development Statistics of the Town of Vail, Department of Community
Development, January 1994.
U.S. Army Environmental Policy Institute, Environmental Trends Update, TR-1547-1-12A,
November 19, 1992.
U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 Census, 1990.
Vail Valley Consolidated Water District, Water Management Plan, December 1993.
Vig, Norman J., Michael E. Kraft, Environmental Policy in the I990's, Congressional Quarterly
Press, 1990.
Council on Environmental Quality, 21st Annual Report, U.S. Government Printing Office,
1990.
31
r /'^
NOTIFICATION TO
BUDGET OFFICE The Lease Administrator shall provide an annual
listing with anticipated lease revenues for the
next fiscal year to the Budget Officer on or about
the first of August.
ANNUAL REVIEW At least annually the Lease Administrator should
review all leases with the Town Manager and the
Finance Director.
Effective Date Town Manager
3 ~-