Lyons to Boulder Regional Trail

The Lyons to Boulder Regional Trail is a proposed 13-mile soft surface, multi-use trail that will connect the City of Boulder trail system with the Town of Lyons.  It is included in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, and the Boulder County Regional Trails Priorities Plan.

Second Open House, June 23, 2009

Attended by approximately 250 members of the public and agency representatives, the second Lyons to Boulder Regional Trail Public Open House occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in Barn A at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont.  Staff from Boulder County Transportation, Boulder County Parks & Open Space, and the consultant group answered questions and listened to feedback.  The handouts and displays presented at the open house are available through the links below.

Handouts 

·         Comment Form

·         Frequently Asked Questions

·         Background/Tools/Options to Address Voiced Concerns

·         Alignment Alternatives A, B, C

·         Scoring Matrix Summary – All Segments

·         Scoring Matrix Summary – Alternative Alignments

Displays

·         Welcome Board 

·         Timeline Board

·         Purpose Statement

·         Boulder County Regional Trail Program

·         Slide Show

·         Public Suggestions for Trail Alignments

·         Alignment Rating Decision Criteria

·         Alignment Evaluation Results

·         Environmental Screening Criteria

·         Alignment Alternatives A, B, C

·         Alignment Alternative A

·         Alignment Alternative B

·         Alignment Alternative C

·         Typical Trailhead Facilities

·         Before you Go

Your Comments

• Written Comments – COMING SOON

This summer continues to be a key time to be involved in the study.   If you would like to subscribe to the project mailing list, or if your group or organization would like to meet to discuss the trail alignment alternatives, please send an email to LyonstoBoulder@bouldercounty.org, or click here for ways to stay involved.

After the June Public Open House, the study will move into its third phase, which will further analyze the alternative alignments to select the recommended trail alignment (preferred alternative) for the Lyons-to-Boulder Regional Trail. 

• Schedule of activities for Phase 3 - COMING SOON

Project Information

January Public Open House – Check out the summary of the open house including links to the handouts, displays, written comments, and public suggested trail options.

Phase 2: Identification and Analysis of Alternative Alignments – Check out work performed during the winter and spring of 2009 including links to the maps of trail segment options. 

Project Comments – Project Start to February

Project Comments – February to April

Project Comments – April to June  

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this Master Plan is to identify the most viable alignment for a multi-use regional trail connecting Lyons to Boulder.  During the study, we will work collaboratively to identify a location for the trail that best takes into account public and private property interests, sensitive environmental resources, concerns about impacts, and the desire to preserve the rural character of the area.  Our goal is to create a soft surface trail that provides recreational and commuting opportunities, scenic experiences, and safe off-road travel options for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians.

Master Plan Process

In November 2008, Boulder County began the master planning process for the Lyons to Boulder Regional Trail, which we anticipate to conclude in the fall of 2009.

The development of the Lyons-Boulder regional trail master plan continues work that has taken place over the past several years.  The plan will focus on areas to the west and east of the Boulder Feeder Canal, an agricultural and municipal supply canal that flows through northern Boulder County.  The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) owns the canal.

During the development of the master plan, we will examine several alternative trail alignments and identify a preferred alignment through an evaluation of environmental impacts, public and private interests, and preservation of the area's aesthetic and community character.  While we expect that the trail will generally follow the Boulder Feeder Canal, we have not yet identified a specific alignment for it.

Master Plan Milestones

Throughout the master planning process we intend to work closely with the public to identify a preferred trail alignment that takes into account the needs and concerns of property owners, neighborhood residents, user groups, and other public entities.  Our ultimate goal is to design a trail that provides recreational and commuting opportunities, community connections, and a safe off-road travel option while being sensitive to the surrounding environment.

The master plan will include four key phases:

1. Project Initiation (November 2008 - January 2009): during this phase, we will conduct stakeholder outreach meetings, hold a public workshop, and gather thoughts about the trail.  We will also gather information about the Lyons-Boulder corridor so that we understand the opportunities and constraints that exist in the study area.  COMPLETE

2. Identification and Analysis of Alternative Alignments (Winter and Spring 2009):  During this phase, we will use feedback from stakeholders and the public to identify several options for the trail alignment.  We will then undertake an analysis of these options and present them at an open house meeting next summer.  COMPLETE

3. Identification and Evaluation of Preferred Alignment (Summer 2009):  During this phase, we will again use feedback on the options to identify a preferred trail alignment.  We will then conduct a detailed evaluation of the preferred alignment.  We will hold a final open house meeting to review the evaluation and design of the preferred alignment.

4. Project Conclusion (Fall 2009):  The project will conclude with a master plan, including a 30% design of the trail.

As we progress through the four phases of the master plan, we encourage the public to participate in each step along the way.  Thoughts, questions, and feedback from the residents of Boulder County are critical to the decision-making process.

Public Involvement

There are several ways to be involved in the development of the Master Plan: