OSMP's Plan Types
Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP's) plans range from providing broad, strategic and overarching guidance to site-specific guidance. Broad plans inform site-specific plans and they are all used to guide the delivery of OSMP’s services to the Boulder community. In addition to OSMP’s plans, the management of the department is also guided by integrated citywide policy, including but not limited to: the City of Boulder Charter, Sustainability Framework, Climate Commitment, Resilience Strategy, Racial Equity Plan, and Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
Master Plan (2019)
The Master Plan focuses OSMP’s energy, funding and expertise on a clear vision for the next decade and beyond. It describes our five focus areas- or central management themes- which are: Ecosystem Health and Resilience; Agriculture Today and Tomorrow; Responsible Recreation, Stewardship and Enjoyment; Community Connection, Education, and Inclusion; and Financial Sustainability. It articulates our aspirations and our collective hopes as desired outcomes for the future of OSMP- with broad management strategies to achieve them as well as examples of actions that will fulfill Master Plan guidance. It also sets manageable expectations about what can be achieved given our uncertain financial future.
Master Plan Implementation
Tracking OSMP Master Plan Progress
Systemwide Management Plans
Agricultural Resources Management Plan (2017)
The purpose of the plan is to maintain and enhance agricultural-related values for the community by ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations, by taking a conservation approach that supports the ecological health of OSMP lands, and by fostering key connections between the community and its agricultural lands.
Forest Ecosystem Management Plan (1999)
The Forest Ecosystem Management Plan addresses the need for ecosystem management on open space lands.
Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan (2010)
The Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan (Grassland Plan) proposes specific on-the-ground management actions, public policies and lands & water acquisition priorities to conserve the ecological values of Open Space & Mountain Park's grasslands and ensure on-going agricultural production.
Visitor Master Plan (VMP) (2005)
The VMP’s purpose is to provide a framework for decisions that will ensure a continued high quality visitor experience, while at the same time ensuring that the lands are protected and preserved for future generations.
Trail Study Area (TSA) Plans
TSA plans were identified in the Visitor Master Plan (VMP) as area-specific plans to establish implementation strategies that improve visitor experience and provide a sustainable trail system while protecting natural and cultural resources. The number and extent of TSAs was modified from what was envisioned in the VMP after completion of the Eldorado Mountain/Doudy Draw TSA.
Completed TSA Plans and Inventory Reports
Integrated Site Projects (ISPs)
OSMP is currently developing Integrated Site Projects (ISPs) for several specific locations. ISPs strive to:
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Improve visitor experiences;
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Improve operations, services, and programs in the area; and
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Address other open space values as outlined in the Boulder City Charter.
The goal is to holistically plan for and to have clarity and as much as possible alignment across the community about the “on the ground” actions for an area in order to proceed to the implementation phase. These projects are guided by specific open space purposes in Section 176 of the city charter, which specifically lists OSMP’s responsibilities to the land and to the community. Previously approved land management plans and the project area’s resources – such as natural, agricultural, passive recreation, cultural and scenic resources - and ongoing service needs – such as Ranger patrols, maintenance operations and education and outreach - also help shape the on-the-ground actions.
Implementation work is ongoing for the following ISPs:
Independent Research Reports
OSMP staff have worked with independent researchers to conduct extensive studies to help manage and improve Boulder's open space.
