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Trustees approve 2026 restoration and trails work plan for Pioneer Park and Angstrom Open Space
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Summary
The Open Space Conservancy Trust approved a 2026 work plan that expands multi‑year invasive‑plant removal and trail repairs in Pioneer Park and Angstrom Open Space; staff said 2025 volunteer and contractor work engaged 328 volunteers for 644 hours and outlined per‑acre labor estimates.
Trustees approved the Open Space Conservancy Trust's 2026 restoration and trails work plan April 16 after a staff presentation and clarifying questions about scope and contractor work.
"In 2026, we will be doing first‑year comprehensive removal on 8.7 acres, year‑2 removal on 5.5 acres, year‑3 removal on 13 acres, and ivy rings on 2.5 acres," natural resources program manager Lizzie Stone said, walking trustees through a map of Pioneer Park quadrants and the Angstrom Open Space work sequence.
Why it matters: The program targets non‑native weeds (ivy, blackberry, holly and laurel), invasive tree treatment, and planting to restore native understory and canopy resilience. Stone said the city combines contractor work, a seasonal natural‑resources crew and extensive volunteer effort to accomplish the work.
Stone summarized 2025 accomplishments: first‑year removal on 5.5 acres, second‑year removal on 13 acres, third‑year removal on 10.5 acres, maintenance on 8.8 acres, and 21 volunteer restoration events plus 13 educational events that engaged 328 volunteers for 644 total hours. She also gave labor estimates: "It takes anywhere between 80 to 300 hours to do first‑year comprehensive removal on 1 acre; year‑2 takes 60 to 110 hours per acre; year‑3 takes around 50 to 80 hours per acre," she said, noting ranges depend on site conditions, steepness and prior work.
Trustees asked whether any contractor work was planned for Angstrom this year; Stone said none is scheduled for Angstrom in 2026 because parts of that open space have completed multi‑year cycles and other zones remain rough and will be phased in once conditions permit. Trustees also pressed policy around removing fallen logs; Stone said staff remove debris that blocks trails and rely on public reporting through ClickFix for unreported hazards.
After questions, Secretary Carolyn Bender moved to approve the plan; Trustee Tom Hildebrandt seconded. City staff conducted a roll call and the chair announced the motion passed.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the work plan and report back on volunteer recruitment, contractor scheduling and trail repair progress; staff also invited trustees to promote an upcoming noxious‑weeds workshop and volunteer events.
