Post on 23-Jul-2015
INTRODUCTION AND
OVERVIEW
BPAAC RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE HRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGARDING POTENTIAL USES OF THE BACKCOUNTRY PLANNING AREAS
BACKCOUNTRY PLANNING AREAS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Founded in 2012Serve as Advisory Committee to Board of Directors
re: Backcountry Planning AreasEvaluate suitability of uses and development
identified in the OSCACurrent Committee Members
Len Abruzzo Kiel Downing Phil Heiser Megan Lindsey Jon Loe Josh Quist
BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA
8,200 Acres Land in Wilderness Area1,200 Acres Land in Planning Areas499 Acres Owned by HRCA20 Acres Considered for Potential
Development
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND IN BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA
Distribution of Land in Backcountry Wilderness Area
Reserved Wilderness Preserve - Development Strictly Prohibited (7,000 acres)
Planning Areas Land Not Owned by HRCA (701 acres)
Planning Areas Land Owned by HRCA (499 acres)
Land Contemplated by this Re-port for Potential Use (20 acres)
BPAAC 2014 DELIVERABLES
1. “Complete a Summary of the 2012 Survey Results.”
List of uses supported for not supported by the Survey Analyze discrepancies in the Survey Analyze amenities, infrastructure, etc. needed for
recreational and non-recreational uses
THE SURVEY
Sent to sample of HR Residents in late-summer 2012
Went to 3,000 residentsReceived responses from 1,307 (44%)November 2012 Report of Survey ResultsThree Main Pertinent Categories:
Potential Recreational Opportunities (10 options) Potential Development Opportunities (6 options) Other Types of Uses (12 options)
Rank 1 – 5 to indicate Strongly Support, Somewhat Support, Somewhat Oppose, Strongly Oppose, or Don’t Know
POTENTIAL RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Expanded hiking, biking, running and horseback riding
Concerts, weddings, special events
Expanded camping Skate park
Rodeos, horse boarding, riding competitions, lessons
Off road bike park with pump track, cyclocross track, dirt jumps, etc.
Golf course Frisbee golf course
Ropes / Challenge Course Fishing ponds
POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Outdoor amphitheater Equestrian / event center with covered pavilion, indoor/outdoor arena
Nature center Tree farm
Cemetery / memorial gardens
Reservoir for water storage
OTHER TYPES OF USES
Recreation center Animal rescue / rehabilitation facilities
Indoor ice arena Houses of worship
Baseball / softball fields Fire/police station
Soccer fields Library
Tennis courts College/university
Private sports training facilities
Public school
BPAAC CONSIDERATIONS IN DEVELOPING REPORT
Stayed true to the OSCA Plan objectivesCommittee objectives stated in precise
language in ReportMain Focuses
People – Health, Education, Involvement Nature – Protect wildlife and conserve land Finances – Generate money needed to run programs,
protect wildlife, and conserve land
BPAAC REVIEW PROCESS
Began by looking at raw numbersCommunity generally divided as to whether
should be any development or additional recreation in BC 42% support no recreational amenities of any kind 54% support no development of any kind 57% support no other uses of any kind
Categories may be potentially confusing Recreation, Development, Other Uses not specifically
defined in the report Amphitheater is development but wedding recreation
both require similar type of structure Golf course is recreation, but soccer fields are “other” uses
NO AMENETIES / DEVELOPMENT AT THIS POINT IN TIME IS AN OPTION
No amenities / development may be preferred by most residents
Social costs – residents lose opportunity to benefit from BC
Financial costs – HRCA assessments would have to continue to finance BC $532k 2015 Operating Budget with $290k Transfer from Rec Fund $95k Budgeted Capital Expenditures
OSCA Plan states general goal that land should be made available for future recreational and educational uses
2012 OSCA Mission and Vision support use of land for recreation and education
BPAAC’S REVIEW OF AMENITIES, DEVELOPMENT, AND USES
Looked at percentage support received for each and every amenity, development opportunity, and use
Ranked according to approval by survey respondents
Top ranked amenities and opportunities include: Trails Nature Center Fishing Pond Ropes / Challenge Course Amphitheater Concerts, Weddings, Special Events
Support received / not received detailed in Exhibit B
BPAAC’S DISCUSSION OF AMENITIES, DEVELOPMENT, AND USES
Discussed pros and cons of each amenity, development opportunity, and use
Process was challenging (and imperfect) for several reasons: Categories seemed to overlap and conflict
57% support riding competitions and riding lessons 93% support trails, including horseback riding trails 37% support an event / equestrian center
Categories were not precise Nature center Amphitheater
Considered Survey but could not rely exclusively on Survey
BPAAC’S DISCUSSION OF AMENITIES, DEVELOPMENT, AND USES (cont.)
Each person researched a few opportunities and brought to group for discussion
Considered Objectives People Nature Finances – Very challenging. Many desirable amenities
and opportunities would not generate meaningful revenueFeasibility
Able to eliminate some options immediately due to feasibility
E.g. Fishing Pond – Could possibly add reflection pond E.g. Golf Course – General decline in golfing industry
BPAAC’S DISCUSSION OF AMENITIES, DEVELOPMENT, AND USES (cont.)
Narrowed list to 4 main amenities / opportunities: Covered Pavilion Ropes / Challenge Course Horse Facilities Archery Range
Rational Generally supported by survey Proven success in Backcountry Opportunity to generate revenues Share utilities and cross-benefits Construction costs appear consistent with BC budget Aesthetics – Natural materials consistent with a ranch
Trails should continue to be incorporated
COVERED PAVILION
Higher End PavilionNot specifically
contemplated by report, consistent with Amphitheater
Located in scenic area, near other amenities
Attachable walls to extend usage
Multi-use facilitySupports all other
amenities by providing gathering place
ROPES / CHALLENGE COURSE
Amenity not otherwise immediately available
Great revenue-generating opportunity
Strong support on survey
Opportunity to introduce different type of person to BC
Support education goals
HORSE FACILITIES
Do not envision large “equestrian” center
Good revenue-generating opportunity
Existing facilities cannot be expanded; provide limited opportunities
Modest barn-type structure, loafing shed, riding areas, and pasture
Would create opportunity to own horses
Allow for expanded classes and programs
ARCHERY RANGE
Existing range has been successful
No room for expansion or growth
Range does not have competition-distance shooting
Move close to other facilities to maximize use and share utilities
PHASES II & III
Any amenities should be designed and construction with possibility for expansion Additional horse facilities Expanded archery range to allow for competitions 3-D archery range Reflection pond Frisbee golf