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Open Space Advisory Council approves Blue Mountain contract for Bill Bowers environmental assessment
Summary
The Manitou Springs Open Space Advisory Council voted 5-0 to fund and contract Blue Mountain Environmental Consultants to perform an environmental impact assessment (including wildfire risk) for the Bill Bowers trail parcel after reviewing three proposals and CPW input; OSAC expects a roughly one-month study with two field days from the contractor.
The Manitou Springs Open Space Advisory Council voted unanimously to hire Blue Mountain Environmental Consultants to complete an environmental impact assessment, including a wildfire-risk component, for the Bill Bowers trail parcel.
Parks Director Jillian Rossi presented three proposals she solicited — ERO Resources, Blue Mountain and Kimley‑Horn — and reported Colorado Parks and Wildlife can supply supplemental comments but cannot fulfill the full, council‑directed scope. Rossi said the three contractors’ timelines were similar and each proposed two field days plus background research; she asked OSAC to indicate what it would fund.
"CPW is able to provide comments about how to mitigate damage to wildlife based off of the proposed trail and they can also offer comments and recommendations on weed management," Rossi said, but she added CPW's review would not satisfy City Council’s request for a formal assessment. Members debated whether Blue Mountain’s lower price reflected a weaker wildfire component and whether the bid was still a responsible offer.
Cassandra Bresnehan made the motion "to approve proposal number two, Blue Mountain Environmental Consultants," and Paul Arlinhouse seconded. The motion authorized OSAC to fund the contract from open‑space funds and instructed Jillian Rossi to manage contract acceptance and administration. The vote was recorded as 5-0 in favor.
OSAC heard that the assessments generally include two days of field work, background research, and a written report to the city; Rossi said contractors would set a formal start and finish date if the proposal is accepted. Members noted the council might later request a contractor presentation to City Council as a change order.
Next steps: Jillian Rossi will execute the contract if Blue Mountain accepts and will share scheduling and the final report with OSAC when available.
