Stop Commercial Hunting & Boating Facility (USR-1778)

The Weld Planning Commission will review a proposal on May 3, 2011 for a commercial hunting, water skiing and camping facility on property northwest of Greeley. The proposal then goes before the Weld County Commissioners for approval on May 18, 2011.

The lake property where these activities will take place is located west of and adjacent to the Poudre Learning Center. The Poudre River Trail runs along the southern boundary of the property parallel to County Road 62.25/F Street. A bald eagle nest is located on the northern boundary of the property.

Concerns have been voiced by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, the City of Greeley and other local agencies and include the following:

1. Bald Eagle and Wildlife Habitat Impact - A pair of bald eagles is currently nesting adjacent to the lakes. It is believed two eaglets have recently hatched. The Bald Eagles have been nesting in this area since 1992 and have produced approximately 20 eaglets during this time period. This nest is one of only two known active nests along the Poudre River in the Northern Colorado area. The Bald Eagle is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. In addition to the Bald Eagles there is an abundance of other wildlife currently inhabiting the area. Sightings include coyotes, deer, turkeys, mink, racoons, and numerous bird species.

Increased human activity and the noise generated by boat motors, loud music and additional hunting activity could adversely affect the eagles and other wildlife in the area. This disturbance clearly has the potential of causing the eagles and other wildlife to leave the area altogether.

2. Poudre River Trail Impact – The Poudre River Trail, south of and contiguous to the property in question, is enjoyed by many as a peaceful place to walk or bike and observe nature and wildlife in a quiet setting. Increased noise from this facility, as well as the danger of stray bullets from hunters, will negatively affect the trail in this area.

3. Poudre Learning Center Impact – The Poudre Learning Center (PLC) was built with funds raised by Greeley and Windsor Rotary Clubs, other local organizations, and many individuals. Since 2005, tens of thousands of students have visited the PLC, - giving local children from Greeley-Evans, Windsor-Severance, Johnstown-Milliken, and Eaton school districts the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a natural environment, observe wildlife, and learn about the importance of the Cache la Poudre River in a unique setting with hands-on activities. The PLC also serves as a community meeting place for various groups and is headquarters to the Cache La Poudre National Heritage Area.

The proposed facility will have a significant impact on the PLC. The tranquil, educational setting of the PLC would clearly be negatively affected. Wildlife, once observed by students, could very likely be scared off by this increased activity. Increased wave action caused by motor boats will erode the east shore of Siebring Reservoir and potentially damage the north-south road on the PLC property. Early, late, and weekend users of the PLC and the Poudre Trail would be impacted by motor-boat noise and fear of stray shot from hunters' guns.

The PLC, the Poudre Trail, the bald eagles and other wildlife in this area must be protected from the negative impacts of this proposal. This proposal is not consistent with surrounding land uses and must not be allowed.