Clear Creek Management Strategies

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Clear Creek Management Strategies Public Meeting -- January 16, 2024

The City hosted a Public Meeting on Tuesday, January 16 to discuss management strategies for the 2024 summer season along Clear Creek.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. Your engagement, involvement and conversations continue to help guide the City in addressing issues along Clear Creek.

Clear Creek Management Recap -- October 10, 2023

A presentation on Clear Creek Management Strategies was given by Carly Lorentz, Deputy City Manager, at the October 10, 2023, City Council meeting. The recap included this year's strategies, successes, and challenges, and plans and recommendations for the 2024 season View a recording of the meeting on the City of Golden website, as well as the presentation and one-pager recap to the right in the documents tab at the top.

Background

As Golden residents can attest, May and June signal the start of another busy summer season in Golden. This year, City officials anticipate activity levels that may exceed the norm for summertime in Golden. After many months of limited activities, interactions, and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people will likely seek to get out and participate in the many customary activities that they have missed. In Golden, that means outdoor recreation - especially along and in the popular Clear Creek.

After years of continued growth in activity in the Clear Creek corridor, this year the City will be introducing new measures aimed at improving conditions in the corridor so that all may experience equal amounts of enjoyment of Clear Creek and adjacent trails, parks, regardless of one's preferred activity.

Several months ago, City Manager Jason Slowinski pulled together a group of stakeholders to review management practices in the Clear Creek corridor. This working group - representing neighborhoods, civic organizations, the Golden Visitor's Center, local businesses, outdoor recreation industry representatives, equipment rental companies, and Golden residents - met regularly since February discussing issues, challenges, and potential strategies, to address the issues caused by the growing popularity of Clear Creek. The group's work focused on issues concerning water use and safety, trail use, traffic and parking, communications, enforcement of rules and regulations, and environmental concerns.

At the City Council meeting on May 11, the City Manager briefed the City Council on the work of the group and the likely changes in management practices expected during the upcoming 2021 summer season. Among the more significant changes you will likely see are:

  • The implementation of color-coded water safety protocols tied to actual water flow conditions;
  • The introduction of a Clear Creek Ambassador program in an effort to better inform, educate, and establish new cultural norms around enjoyment of the Clear Creek corridor;
  • Better signage to communicate rules, expectations, and other important information;
  • The separation of certain uses on on the adjacent Clear Creek trails in order to minimize user conflicts, to include a preferred path for tubers and a seasonal bike dismount zone;
  • An expanded Park Rangers program with focus on the enforcement of rule violations; and
  • A central online portal for visitor information related to Clear Creek.

These changes, and many others, are based on recommendations of the working group. In addition, the group identified a number of other possible actions and strategies for consideration in future years.

Recognizing the important asset that Clear Creek is for the community, the City will be seeking feedback from residents and visitors related to these changes throughout the summer season. This feedback, along with other data points, will allow us to learn from these changes and will help guide future adjustments and considerations.

Public Comment Opportunities

The City of Golden Clear Creek Legislative Subcommittee invites members of the Golden community to provide public comments on items and ideas related to Clear Creek. Members of the public can make their voices heard through the following ways:

  1. Providing a public comment by attending a City Council meeting in person.
  2. Writing an email to CouncilComments@cityofgolden.net, which will be published on the City's websites for public viewing and discussion.
  3. Attending a meeting of the Mobility & Transportation Advisory Board or the Parks, Recreation & Museum Advisory Board.

Information on upcoming Council and board meetings is available at www.cityofgolden.com/Agendas. You can also use the "Ideas and Discussion" tool below to ask questions, discuss Creek related topics with other users, and provide input on Creek management.

Clear Creek Management Strategies Public Meeting -- January 16, 2024

The City hosted a Public Meeting on Tuesday, January 16 to discuss management strategies for the 2024 summer season along Clear Creek.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. Your engagement, involvement and conversations continue to help guide the City in addressing issues along Clear Creek.

Clear Creek Management Recap -- October 10, 2023

A presentation on Clear Creek Management Strategies was given by Carly Lorentz, Deputy City Manager, at the October 10, 2023, City Council meeting. The recap included this year's strategies, successes, and challenges, and plans and recommendations for the 2024 season View a recording of the meeting on the City of Golden website, as well as the presentation and one-pager recap to the right in the documents tab at the top.

Background

As Golden residents can attest, May and June signal the start of another busy summer season in Golden. This year, City officials anticipate activity levels that may exceed the norm for summertime in Golden. After many months of limited activities, interactions, and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people will likely seek to get out and participate in the many customary activities that they have missed. In Golden, that means outdoor recreation - especially along and in the popular Clear Creek.

After years of continued growth in activity in the Clear Creek corridor, this year the City will be introducing new measures aimed at improving conditions in the corridor so that all may experience equal amounts of enjoyment of Clear Creek and adjacent trails, parks, regardless of one's preferred activity.

Several months ago, City Manager Jason Slowinski pulled together a group of stakeholders to review management practices in the Clear Creek corridor. This working group - representing neighborhoods, civic organizations, the Golden Visitor's Center, local businesses, outdoor recreation industry representatives, equipment rental companies, and Golden residents - met regularly since February discussing issues, challenges, and potential strategies, to address the issues caused by the growing popularity of Clear Creek. The group's work focused on issues concerning water use and safety, trail use, traffic and parking, communications, enforcement of rules and regulations, and environmental concerns.

At the City Council meeting on May 11, the City Manager briefed the City Council on the work of the group and the likely changes in management practices expected during the upcoming 2021 summer season. Among the more significant changes you will likely see are:

  • The implementation of color-coded water safety protocols tied to actual water flow conditions;
  • The introduction of a Clear Creek Ambassador program in an effort to better inform, educate, and establish new cultural norms around enjoyment of the Clear Creek corridor;
  • Better signage to communicate rules, expectations, and other important information;
  • The separation of certain uses on on the adjacent Clear Creek trails in order to minimize user conflicts, to include a preferred path for tubers and a seasonal bike dismount zone;
  • An expanded Park Rangers program with focus on the enforcement of rule violations; and
  • A central online portal for visitor information related to Clear Creek.

These changes, and many others, are based on recommendations of the working group. In addition, the group identified a number of other possible actions and strategies for consideration in future years.

Recognizing the important asset that Clear Creek is for the community, the City will be seeking feedback from residents and visitors related to these changes throughout the summer season. This feedback, along with other data points, will allow us to learn from these changes and will help guide future adjustments and considerations.

Public Comment Opportunities

The City of Golden Clear Creek Legislative Subcommittee invites members of the Golden community to provide public comments on items and ideas related to Clear Creek. Members of the public can make their voices heard through the following ways:

  1. Providing a public comment by attending a City Council meeting in person.
  2. Writing an email to CouncilComments@cityofgolden.net, which will be published on the City's websites for public viewing and discussion.
  3. Attending a meeting of the Mobility & Transportation Advisory Board or the Parks, Recreation & Museum Advisory Board.

Information on upcoming Council and board meetings is available at www.cityofgolden.com/Agendas. You can also use the "Ideas and Discussion" tool below to ask questions, discuss Creek related topics with other users, and provide input on Creek management.

Ask a Question

Do you have a question about the strategies along the Clear Creek corridor? Ask them here and a member of the City of Golden staff will provide an answer. 

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  • Share From the end of summer 2022 report it shows the budget, but I do not see the revenue side of the issue. The three vendors are listed, what was and expected the fee/tax expected for the 2023 season on Facebook Share From the end of summer 2022 report it shows the budget, but I do not see the revenue side of the issue. The three vendors are listed, what was and expected the fee/tax expected for the 2023 season on Twitter Share From the end of summer 2022 report it shows the budget, but I do not see the revenue side of the issue. The three vendors are listed, what was and expected the fee/tax expected for the 2023 season on Linkedin Email From the end of summer 2022 report it shows the budget, but I do not see the revenue side of the issue. The three vendors are listed, what was and expected the fee/tax expected for the 2023 season link

    From the end of summer 2022 report it shows the budget, but I do not see the revenue side of the issue. The three vendors are listed, what was and expected the fee/tax expected for the 2023 season

    View asked about 1 year ago

    Thanks for your question! Clear Creek Management is funded from a portion of the Lodging Tax that is dedicated to visitor impacts. You can visit goldenco.opengov.com to review City of Golden financial reports and activity.

  • Share Will you be psoting a mid summer creek report and an end of summer creek report for 2022? on Facebook Share Will you be psoting a mid summer creek report and an end of summer creek report for 2022? on Twitter Share Will you be psoting a mid summer creek report and an end of summer creek report for 2022? on Linkedin Email Will you be psoting a mid summer creek report and an end of summer creek report for 2022? link

    Will you be psoting a mid summer creek report and an end of summer creek report for 2022?

    derosagoco asked almost 2 years ago

    Hello,

    There will be mid-year and end-of-season reports and they will be published on this Guiding Golden page. Thank you for your interest in creek activities.

    Alex Mansfield

    Management Analyst 

  • Share There was some great data collected during the summer 2021 season. Many of the new strategies this year are directed towards tube rental companies in an attempt to limit volume. Do we know what percentage of tubes are rented vs. what percentage of tubers bring their own tube? I believe one study done last year showed a top number of about 600 tubes per hour in the creek. It would be good to know how many of these were tuber provided rather than outfitter provided. What is being done to limit the number of user provided tubes? Thanks to all the city staff and councilors and boards that have worked on a strategy plan for creek management for 2022. on Facebook Share There was some great data collected during the summer 2021 season. Many of the new strategies this year are directed towards tube rental companies in an attempt to limit volume. Do we know what percentage of tubes are rented vs. what percentage of tubers bring their own tube? I believe one study done last year showed a top number of about 600 tubes per hour in the creek. It would be good to know how many of these were tuber provided rather than outfitter provided. What is being done to limit the number of user provided tubes? Thanks to all the city staff and councilors and boards that have worked on a strategy plan for creek management for 2022. on Twitter Share There was some great data collected during the summer 2021 season. Many of the new strategies this year are directed towards tube rental companies in an attempt to limit volume. Do we know what percentage of tubes are rented vs. what percentage of tubers bring their own tube? I believe one study done last year showed a top number of about 600 tubes per hour in the creek. It would be good to know how many of these were tuber provided rather than outfitter provided. What is being done to limit the number of user provided tubes? Thanks to all the city staff and councilors and boards that have worked on a strategy plan for creek management for 2022. on Linkedin Email There was some great data collected during the summer 2021 season. Many of the new strategies this year are directed towards tube rental companies in an attempt to limit volume. Do we know what percentage of tubes are rented vs. what percentage of tubers bring their own tube? I believe one study done last year showed a top number of about 600 tubes per hour in the creek. It would be good to know how many of these were tuber provided rather than outfitter provided. What is being done to limit the number of user provided tubes? Thanks to all the city staff and councilors and boards that have worked on a strategy plan for creek management for 2022. link

    There was some great data collected during the summer 2021 season. Many of the new strategies this year are directed towards tube rental companies in an attempt to limit volume. Do we know what percentage of tubes are rented vs. what percentage of tubers bring their own tube? I believe one study done last year showed a top number of about 600 tubes per hour in the creek. It would be good to know how many of these were tuber provided rather than outfitter provided. What is being done to limit the number of user provided tubes? Thanks to all the city staff and councilors and boards that have worked on a strategy plan for creek management for 2022.

    derosagoco asked almost 2 years ago

    As part of the outfitter permit requirements, tube rental companies are required to remit the number of tubes rented out during a month-long period. From this information we can know the average number of tubes rented daily from all outfitters. This, combined with a summer-long count of creek users which will provide a representative samples of the total number of tubers and the breakdown of rented or personally-owned tubes. 

    As for limits on the number of user provided tubes, there is now a surcharge added to the purchase of tubes from any retail source in Golden. This is to help cover the costs of maintaining the creek. There are not additional actions taken on the number of user provided tubes at this time. There may be actions taken in the future to address this if the number of user provided tubes is determined to be a problem this summer. 

    Please let us know if you have additional questions.

    Alex Mansfield, Management Analyst

    amansfield@cityofgolden.net 

    303-384-8011

  • Share There are currently no parallel bike lanes on 10th street or 8th street and while a future consideration, I don't understand why not do that no matter what to make the area more bike friendly; especially with the new walk-a-bike section in place for 2021 season and helping the Peaks to Plains trail connectivity through town. I also note that the 2021 Golden Visitor’s Guide invites cyclists to come to Golden and ride along Clear Creek - I assume that is only the south side but the powerpoint does not address where bikers will be able to ride along the creek rather than walk a bike. on Facebook Share There are currently no parallel bike lanes on 10th street or 8th street and while a future consideration, I don't understand why not do that no matter what to make the area more bike friendly; especially with the new walk-a-bike section in place for 2021 season and helping the Peaks to Plains trail connectivity through town. I also note that the 2021 Golden Visitor’s Guide invites cyclists to come to Golden and ride along Clear Creek - I assume that is only the south side but the powerpoint does not address where bikers will be able to ride along the creek rather than walk a bike. on Twitter Share There are currently no parallel bike lanes on 10th street or 8th street and while a future consideration, I don't understand why not do that no matter what to make the area more bike friendly; especially with the new walk-a-bike section in place for 2021 season and helping the Peaks to Plains trail connectivity through town. I also note that the 2021 Golden Visitor’s Guide invites cyclists to come to Golden and ride along Clear Creek - I assume that is only the south side but the powerpoint does not address where bikers will be able to ride along the creek rather than walk a bike. on Linkedin Email There are currently no parallel bike lanes on 10th street or 8th street and while a future consideration, I don't understand why not do that no matter what to make the area more bike friendly; especially with the new walk-a-bike section in place for 2021 season and helping the Peaks to Plains trail connectivity through town. I also note that the 2021 Golden Visitor’s Guide invites cyclists to come to Golden and ride along Clear Creek - I assume that is only the south side but the powerpoint does not address where bikers will be able to ride along the creek rather than walk a bike. link

    There are currently no parallel bike lanes on 10th street or 8th street and while a future consideration, I don't understand why not do that no matter what to make the area more bike friendly; especially with the new walk-a-bike section in place for 2021 season and helping the Peaks to Plains trail connectivity through town. I also note that the 2021 Golden Visitor’s Guide invites cyclists to come to Golden and ride along Clear Creek - I assume that is only the south side but the powerpoint does not address where bikers will be able to ride along the creek rather than walk a bike.

    Hooper asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback and question. Cyclists will be able to bike along the south side of the Clear Creek trail, as well as the north side that is not the area between Washington Avenue and the 6th Avenue Bridge other times than the summer season. Additional means of transportation around town are a consideration of the City of Golden Capital Improvement Plan and the Complete Streets program. 

    - Alex Mansfield, Management Assistant

  • Share The map on the Bike Library wall shows the 6th Ave trail closed from the S Clear Creek Trail connection to the Taj Mahal (I think). Will this (and all other public copies) be replaced by a map showing this trail Open ? on Facebook Share The map on the Bike Library wall shows the 6th Ave trail closed from the S Clear Creek Trail connection to the Taj Mahal (I think). Will this (and all other public copies) be replaced by a map showing this trail Open ? on Twitter Share The map on the Bike Library wall shows the 6th Ave trail closed from the S Clear Creek Trail connection to the Taj Mahal (I think). Will this (and all other public copies) be replaced by a map showing this trail Open ? on Linkedin Email The map on the Bike Library wall shows the 6th Ave trail closed from the S Clear Creek Trail connection to the Taj Mahal (I think). Will this (and all other public copies) be replaced by a map showing this trail Open ? link

    The map on the Bike Library wall shows the 6th Ave trail closed from the S Clear Creek Trail connection to the Taj Mahal (I think). Will this (and all other public copies) be replaced by a map showing this trail Open ?

    maysi01 asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. The maps, as well as all the signage around the Clear Creek corridor, is being reviewed for updates and effectiveness by City staff. We will look into this change/update. 

    - Alex Mansfield, Management Assistant

  • Share Strict enforcement of the rules sounds like a step in the right direction. I understand the 3-pronged approach using education and non-punitive action. Please describe exactly what strict enforcement means under this approach. Is it just zero tolerance rules or all the rules under ordinance 2046? Will it also apply to the 3 parks in the creek corridor (Lions, Parfet and Vanover)? on Facebook Share Strict enforcement of the rules sounds like a step in the right direction. I understand the 3-pronged approach using education and non-punitive action. Please describe exactly what strict enforcement means under this approach. Is it just zero tolerance rules or all the rules under ordinance 2046? Will it also apply to the 3 parks in the creek corridor (Lions, Parfet and Vanover)? on Twitter Share Strict enforcement of the rules sounds like a step in the right direction. I understand the 3-pronged approach using education and non-punitive action. Please describe exactly what strict enforcement means under this approach. Is it just zero tolerance rules or all the rules under ordinance 2046? Will it also apply to the 3 parks in the creek corridor (Lions, Parfet and Vanover)? on Linkedin Email Strict enforcement of the rules sounds like a step in the right direction. I understand the 3-pronged approach using education and non-punitive action. Please describe exactly what strict enforcement means under this approach. Is it just zero tolerance rules or all the rules under ordinance 2046? Will it also apply to the 3 parks in the creek corridor (Lions, Parfet and Vanover)? link

    Strict enforcement of the rules sounds like a step in the right direction. I understand the 3-pronged approach using education and non-punitive action. Please describe exactly what strict enforcement means under this approach. Is it just zero tolerance rules or all the rules under ordinance 2046? Will it also apply to the 3 parks in the creek corridor (Lions, Parfet and Vanover)?

    derosagoco asked almost 3 years ago

    Strict enforcement in the three-pronged approach refers to the work of the Park Rangers. The Park Rangers program has been expanded in 2021, and rangers will be moving along the creek corridor making contact with individuals who are in violation of the park rules. The rangers will be using an education-first approach to create voluntary compliance, and repeat or serious offenders will receive administrative citations. For serious criminal matters along the creek, sworn police officers will be in the area to respond appropriately.

    - Alex Mansfield, Management Assistant 

  • Share Regarding the new clear creek management plan, Councillor Fisher said "While I think the results may feel weighted somewhat in favor of industry vs. residents, there are dozens of mitigation measures that have been proposed and I look forward to seeing how effective they are." Why will the results feel weighted in favor of the industry and why does the industry have priority over the citizens of Golden? on Facebook Share Regarding the new clear creek management plan, Councillor Fisher said "While I think the results may feel weighted somewhat in favor of industry vs. residents, there are dozens of mitigation measures that have been proposed and I look forward to seeing how effective they are." Why will the results feel weighted in favor of the industry and why does the industry have priority over the citizens of Golden? on Twitter Share Regarding the new clear creek management plan, Councillor Fisher said "While I think the results may feel weighted somewhat in favor of industry vs. residents, there are dozens of mitigation measures that have been proposed and I look forward to seeing how effective they are." Why will the results feel weighted in favor of the industry and why does the industry have priority over the citizens of Golden? on Linkedin Email Regarding the new clear creek management plan, Councillor Fisher said "While I think the results may feel weighted somewhat in favor of industry vs. residents, there are dozens of mitigation measures that have been proposed and I look forward to seeing how effective they are." Why will the results feel weighted in favor of the industry and why does the industry have priority over the citizens of Golden? link

    Regarding the new clear creek management plan, Councillor Fisher said "While I think the results may feel weighted somewhat in favor of industry vs. residents, there are dozens of mitigation measures that have been proposed and I look forward to seeing how effective they are." Why will the results feel weighted in favor of the industry and why does the industry have priority over the citizens of Golden?

    Bryank80 asked almost 3 years ago

    The strategies were created with input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including residents of the nearby neighborhoods, representatives from the Colorado Whitewater Association, and owners of nearby businesses. The City hopes that the strategies will work in favor of all those who have a stake in an improved Clear Creek corridor.

  • Share What does the city consider to be the pros of tubers on Clear Creek? What does the city consider to be the cons of tubers on Clear Creek? on Facebook Share What does the city consider to be the pros of tubers on Clear Creek? What does the city consider to be the cons of tubers on Clear Creek? on Twitter Share What does the city consider to be the pros of tubers on Clear Creek? What does the city consider to be the cons of tubers on Clear Creek? on Linkedin Email What does the city consider to be the pros of tubers on Clear Creek? What does the city consider to be the cons of tubers on Clear Creek? link

    What does the city consider to be the pros of tubers on Clear Creek? What does the city consider to be the cons of tubers on Clear Creek?

    shaytande asked almost 3 years ago

    The use of single-chamber inflatable devices is legally allowed on Colorado waterways, including Clear Creek.

    - Alex Mansfield, Management Assistant

  • Share Slide 11. Why not encourage tubers to the south side trail where there is less foot traffic? on Facebook Share Slide 11. Why not encourage tubers to the south side trail where there is less foot traffic? on Twitter Share Slide 11. Why not encourage tubers to the south side trail where there is less foot traffic? on Linkedin Email Slide 11. Why not encourage tubers to the south side trail where there is less foot traffic? link

    Slide 11. Why not encourage tubers to the south side trail where there is less foot traffic?

    mhp49 asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question and interest in this topic. There are more creek access points on the north side of Clear Creek, making it easier for users of all kinds to get in and out of the creek without damaging fragile areas of the creek banks.

    - Alex Mansfield, Management Assistant

  • Share When can the community expect the Clear Creek Corridor Strategies to be fully implemented? on Facebook Share When can the community expect the Clear Creek Corridor Strategies to be fully implemented? on Twitter Share When can the community expect the Clear Creek Corridor Strategies to be fully implemented? on Linkedin Email When can the community expect the Clear Creek Corridor Strategies to be fully implemented? link

    When can the community expect the Clear Creek Corridor Strategies to be fully implemented?

    Dave Shuey asked almost 3 years ago

    Golden City Staff are currently working on implementation of the strategies listed in the documents. They are expected to be operational within this summer season. 

    - Alex Mansfield, Management Assistant

Page last updated: 07 Feb 2024, 09:56 PM