The second annual Ken-Caryl Ranch Community-Wide Garage Sale is right around the corner!

When: Friday & Saturday, June 7-8 (Rain or shine; there is not a rain/inclement weather date.)
Suggested Times: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Note: You are welcome to start/end your garage sale earlier or later than the suggested times advertised.)
Where: Your own driveway/garage
Community Advertising: The KCR Garage Sale will be advertised in Life at Ken-Caryl, the Columbine Courier, on CraigsList, in the Denver Post Your Hub and promoted on the Ken-Caryl Ranch website, as well as Facebook, the e-News and the Ken-Caryl Ranch marquees.
Discounted Garage Sale Signs: From May 20 through June 7, you may purchase approved garage sale signs at the Ranch House for a discounted rate of $4 per sign (regular price is $6). Remember, you are allowed one sign per turn to your property. There will be banners posted at some of the main entrances to Ken-Caryl Ranch promoting the sale. More signage tips and sign information is posted on the registration site. Please follow the community guidelines for sign placement (see the Signage Policy). Be a good neighbor and remember to take your signs down after your garage sale is over!
Charity Donation Truck: There will be Goodwill donation trucks in the parking lot of the Ranch House on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. rain or shine! You can bring your unsold items for donation, and Goodwill will provide you a tax receipt. See the registration site for a list of items that Goodwill will and will not accept, or go to www.goodwilldenver.org. Door-to-door pick up of unsold items has not been arranged this year, however the contact information of several charities that offer this service are listed on the registration site for your convenience.
How To Register To Participate: Sign up to participate no later than June 5 by going to www.kencarylgaragesale.com. The site has a registration form, garage sale tips, and information on signs, charity donations, etc.
Questions: Contact Diane Hagre at 303-932-0191 or email info@kencarylgaragesale.com.

The project includes adding a free-flowing eastbound right-turn lane and second eastbound through lane at the Chatfield and Kipling intersection. The existing drainage problems at the northwest corner of the Chatfield and Kipling intersection will also be addressed and fixed. The four-foot wide, on-street bike lanes have been eliminated from the project.

At the Chatfield/Cochetopa Pass/Shaffer Place intersection, the existing dips on the east and west legs will be modified to provide for a smoother ride. Changes will improve the safety of the existing pedestrian median crossing to the trail path between Ken Caryl Ave. and the Chatfield/Cochetopa Pass/Shaffer Place intersection. An eight-foot wide concrete sidewalk has been added to the project on the east and north sides of Chatfield from Ken Caryl to Kipling.

For more information on the project, see the Jeffco Transportation and Engineering website at jeffco.us/highways. Ken-Caryl Ranch will be sharing timely updates on the project in our weekly email newsletter, the Ken-Caryl Ranch e-News. If you haven’t signed up for the e-News, go to the sign-up page or contact Victoria DeSair at victoriad@kcranch.org or 303-979-1876, ext. 122.

The decision from the Court of Appeals was unanimous in affirming the earlier District Court ruling in favor of the KCRMD requiring PMD to build approximately $3.5 million in recreational facilities for the Ken-Caryl Ranch community pursuant to its 1985 service plan. The Court of Appeals decision affirms that PMD now has 90 days to submit a proposal to the KCRMD for the financing and building of additional recreational facilities for the community.

A copy of the May 9 ruling is available for review.

Vote To Help Choose The Movie

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Foundation is happy to announce the first of two free outdoor movie nights for Ken-Caryl Ranch residents this summer. The movie will be shown at sundown at Community Park between Kipling and Sangre de Cristo Road across from Shaffer Elementary on Sunday, June 23.

This will be a family-friendly movie that everyone can enjoy. To introduce this tradition, we are asking for participation from the Ken-Caryl community. Please help us decide which movie will be presented for our inaugural night. The three choices are the Lorax, Over the Hedge and Despicable Me. To vote, please go to the Survey Link. Voting will be open until Thursday, May 23.

We encourage people to come early and bring a blanket and picnic dinner. There will be opportunities to catch up with neighbors, soak up the sunshine and enjoy snacks and drinks that will be available for purchase.

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Foundation helps support many local causes important to residents such as the Community Garden, the Academic Scholarship Award, the Ken-Caryl Home Tour, the Ken-Caryl Ranch Historical Society and the Trails Club. For more information, please visit www.kencarylranchfoundation.org.

• The Board received an update from Director Lehan-Milano on the most recent meeting of the Community Planning Committee, a joint committee with the Master Association.
• The Board received an update on the Veterans Monument Committee from Director Esbenshade.
• The Board received an update from staff on the 2013 irrigation replacement project on the Valley Parkway.
• The Board also received an update on the upcoming aquatic season for the District. The three outdoor pools are scheduled to open on Saturday, May 25.
• The Board received an update on the summer registrations and youth program levels for the upcoming summer.
• The District Manager reported that several comments had been received about the preferred alternative for the Community Center Campus Master Plan. The Board decided to accept any additional comments over the next month with further discussion planned for the May Board meeting.
• The Board reviewed a sponsorship brochure prepared by staff that is being delivered to the business community of the Ranch.
• The Board was updated on the progress of the 2012 District audit. A draft audit is scheduled to be presented at the May 28 Board meeting.
• The Board received an update from its legal counsel on the current State of Colorado legislative session with regard to legislation that might impact Colorado special districts.
• Staff reported the baseball field renovation project at the Community Park was completed the first week of April. Improvements included new backstops as well as the construction of covered dugouts on both the east and west fields. New infield mix was also added to the west field as part of the project.
• The Board authorized the expenditure of $4,250 from the Conservation Trust and Grant Fund for the purchase of an Americans with Disabilities Act ladder for the Community Center Pool.
• The Board received an update from staff on the status of Open Space properties leased by the District from Jefferson County.
• The Board took action to approve an Americans with Disabilities Act Notice and Grievance Policy for the District.

Spring is a beautiful time around Ken-Caryl Ranch and can be a great time to get out and enjoy the trails. If you’ve ever gone hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking on our trails you know what I mean, but it is also a time when responsible trail use is essential. Every year, Ken-Caryl Ranch’s Open Space trails are damaged due to improper trail use, especially when the trails are muddy.

Due to Colorado’s Front Range weather, the snow melt and early rains will cause the trails to stay muddy longer. Muddy trail conditions usually exist longer in the late winter/early spring months, which increase the impacts of trail users. Trail surfaces that are saturated from either rain or snow melt may lose compaction and their ability to withstand trail traffic. This process is accelerated when high impact trail use is continued throughout these time periods.

Of all trail user groups, horses have the highest potential impact to muddy and soft trails. A horse carries a heavy weight on a small, usually shoed, hoof. This weight can exert as much as 1,500 lbs. of pressure per square inch. According to an article by Carolyn Widner and Dr. Jeff Marion titled Horse Impacts: Research Findings and Their Implications, “Horse traffic causes significant compaction to the underlying soil layers, thus reducing water infiltration. In addition, the action of horse hoofs tends to dig up and puncture the soil surface. The process of loosening the surface trail tread while compacting the subsurface soils leads to impermeable basins, which retain water and mud long after runoff events occur.”

Mountain bikes can also damage trails during muddy periods. Research by Gordon R. Cessford in Off-road Impacts of Mountain Bikes found that bicycles create a linear track, which tends to promote channeling of water, as opposed to creating puddles. These channels negate the benefits of a trail with a proper outslope that conveys water off of the trail tread. The channels keep the water on the trail, causing dishing and erosion. Even though the actual tire tracks disappear, the damage caused becomes irreversible and the altered trail surface continues to erode, creating a need for more trail maintenance. Heavy downhill braking and skidding can also accelerate erosion. These impacts can be avoided by using proper brake modulation and riding at slow, manageable speeds.

Another sign of improper trail use not specific to any trail user group are trails that develop around muddy areas created primarily by rain and snow melt runoff, these new trails cause all the damage previously mentioned and also widen the zone of impact for the trail. The widened trail, although not obvious in the winter, severely degrades the plant life around the original trail.

Trail Use Tips 

Some rules for all of our trail users: Say no to mud. According to an article published by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), Low Impact Riding Techniques for the X (TR) Generation, “Riding when the trail is muddy can cause tremendous damage. Find trails in your area that are durable, drain well and ride these when it’s wet.”

Become familiar with the trail system and pay attention to the trails and trail segments that dry out first. Service roads like the Manor House Trail, Hogback Trail and Cathy Johnson Trail can absorb more damage and usually dry out faster than single track trails.

Avoid higher elevation trails like Upper Bradford (over Tin Cup) and trails in softer soils like the Lyons Hogback Trail. Avoid high snow melt times. Trails are generally more solid in the early morning hours. Trails tend to be sloppier in the afternoon. If you must be out on the trail, stay on the trail surface at all times and get muddy.

Dogs should be leashed and under the owner’s control at all times. Unleashed dogs invoke a “flight response” in wildlife which severely depletes their limited reserves. Coyotes and other predatory animals can be more aggressive toward domestic dogs during winter months when food sources are low.

Our trails are a wonderful resource for exercise and to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us on Ken-Caryl Ranch. Let’s all work to keep them safe and enjoyable. See you on the trails.

• Jim Moore, from James Moore and Associates presented the 2012 Audit and answered questions from the Board.
• A resident presented a request for funding assistance from the Board to install a group of large rocks along Vail Pass in an effort to stop out-of-control cars from crashing through his fence on snowy days.
• A representative of the Historical Society Committee presented the concept of making an application to add the Bradford Perley House to the National Register. The Board’s support as the official owners of the property was sought and given.
• Carolyn Roan from Muller Engineering presented options for repairs to the Massey drainage below the Community Center and received input from the Board. The plan will be reviewed by the Open Space Committee and a recommendation made to the Board for action in May.
• The Board discussed the Conduct of Meetings Policy further. A draft policy with changes will be presented at the May meeting for Board action.
• Staff received direction regarding an insurance claim for roof replacement at the Equestrian Center Office. The roof replacement will be scheduled.
• The Board discussed the Manor House owner’s plans to keep the tent for one more year then build a permanent building. Staff will ask legal counsel to review the General Warranty Deed that is attached to the property and report.
• The Board discussed a proposal to allow trained volunteers to use power equipment. Staff was directed to work with legal counsel to develop a program.
• Manager’s Report: A written report was included in the Board package.
• Committees: Board member committee liaisons reported on the activities that their committees have been engaged in for the past month.
• Motion: A Motion authorizing an expenditure of $11,000 to re-grade the base and add new footing to the Equestrian Center jump arena was approved. Reserve Fund identifies $10,000 for this work.
• Motion: A Motion adopting the amended Conduct of Meetings Policy was tabled.
• Motion: A Motion ratifying the Board’s decision to contract with T2 Construction to concrete the Dawn Heath path was approved at a cost of $8,000. Funding source was the 2013 Open Space budget.
• Motion: A Motion authorizing an expenditure of $5,270 to contract with Andraos Construction to install the ADA parking pad at the Dakota Lodge and two additional parking spots for an additional $2,500 was approved.
• Motion: A Motion authorizing an expenditure of $10,950 to seal and paint the Ranch House was approved. The Reserve Plan identifies $16,500 for this purpose in 2013.
• Motion: A Motion authorizing an expenditure of $7,000 to purchase a power wheelbarrow was approved.
• Motion: A Motion endorsing the area north of the front entrance of the Ranch House, where the flag poles are located, as an appropriate site for a Ken-Caryl Veterans Memorial was approved. Final approval of this site is subject to submittal and approval of final plans to the Architectural Committee and the Board of Directors of the Master Association.
• Motion: A Motion accepting the 2012 Audit as presented was approved.

Beginning in early May, work will continue on the fuel break along the Manor House Trail (see map). The primary function of a fuel break is to break up the continuity of fuels in a forest and to provide an area where the fire will slow down and be more easily controlled. The fuel break on Manor House Trail will be created by:

1. Creating and an exclusion zone within 30 feet of the downhill side and 15 feet of the uphill side of the road. All Gambel oak will be removed in these zones and mature trees will be trimmed up to remove ladder fuels. Stumps in this area will be chemically treated to prevent re-sprouting.

2. Creating a fuel modification zone 210 feet below the road and 110 feet above it. In this area work will be done with the Gambel oak clumps by cutting the outer stems and creating corridors at least 10 feet in width and for larger clumps two times the height of the retained vegetation. Only Gambel oak will be removed from this area and mature trees will be limbed up to remove ladder fuels. Approximately 30 percent of the Gambel oak will be removed from the modification zone. All standing dead material will be removed from the treatment clumps. Efforts will be made to adjoin the cut corridors with natural breaks in the Gambel oak to create a mosaic pattern.

Weather permitting, work on the fuel break will start in early May and last for approximately two weeks. During the work period, expect truck traffic on the trail, and a chipper will be parked along the work area. The KCRMA Board of Directors has chosen the Natural Way Inc. to perform the work. The Natural Way has extensive expertise in fuels mitigation projects and has implemented projects for Castle Pines, Lockheed Martin and the Garden of the Gods. The company also worked on the Tincup fuel break in 2012.

Please contact Gary Norton at 303-904-0249 or garyn@kcranch.org with any questions regarding the Forest Stewardship Plan or the Manor House fuel break work.

In order to water new landscaping more than the two allotted days, residents must be approved for an exemption. Residents can apply for an exemption by contacting the Ken-Caryl Ranch Water and Sanitation District at 303-979-7424. Exemptions are:

• New landscape, including turf sod, may be watered with overhead spray for up to 21 consecutive days.
• New turf seed may be watered with overhead spray for up to 30 consecutive days.

The exemptions apply only:

• to areas greater than 250 square feet
• where the soil has been appropriately amended with compost and prepared
• where efficient irrigation equipment and best practices will be used; and
• when the property displays a sign obtained from the Water and Sanitation District that indicates the expiration date of the exemption.

As a reminder, here are the mandatory watering restrictions that all Ken-Caryl Ranch residents must adhere to:

Residents may only water their lawns two days a week and must follow this schedule:
• Single-family residential properties with addresses ending in even numbers: Sunday, Thursday
• Single-family residential properties with addresses ending in odd numbers: Saturday, Wednesday
• All other properties (multi-family, HOAs, commercial, industrial, government): Tuesday, Friday

In addition, customers must follow the standard annual watering rules:

• Do not water lawns between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Do not waste water by allowing it to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
• Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
• Do not water while it is raining or during high winds

If you are looking for helpful information on drought-tolerant plants, xeriscaping and other landscaping advice, visit www.coloradowaterwise.org or www.ext.colostate.edu.