September 12, 2024
Present: Kathy, Linda, David, Emily, and Kristin and some members of the community.
Approval of the Minutes of the last meeting.
Announcements
Kristin made some announcements:
The city will be sending UHNA, as the RNO, a proposal re: the rezoning of University Hills
The city council will send a "ballot preview."
Santa at the Wellshire is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Treasurer's Report
Linda Dailey, the treasurer, said we now have $223 in our account. She added that after all of the expenses for movie night, $2950 have been paid. She also said that $400 in recent Venmo contributions have not yet been received.
Emily paid approximately $200 for UHNA's annual website subscription on Wix.com. She will submit a copy of the invoice for reimbursement.
A Report from the High Line Trail Conservancy
Sam Wilbur, from the High Line Trail Conservancy (HLTC) gave a report.
The Purpose of the HLTC
To preserve, protect, and enhance" the canal
Description of the Canal
Is a local linear park that is 71 miles long and consists of 860 acres, more than Central Park in New York City. The canal starts in Waterton Canyon and ends at DIA
The History of the Canal
It was dug 1893 and acquired by Denver Water in 1921
The water from the canal was used to irrigate farmland in Denver for many years, until recently
The Administration of the Canal Today
Denver Water recently gave ownership of most of the canal to Arapahoe County
The canal goes through 13 jurisdictions, including Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Adams counties. Arapahoe county is the lead administrator
Finances
The HLTC gets money from both private and public sources
Sam said it had raised almost 33 million dollars during the past few years
Maintaining and Enhancing the Canal
This money is used to preserve and protect the canal
The HTLC tries to remove invasive, non-native plant species like ash bores and Russian olive trees from the banks of the canal
The new trees that are planted like Linden trees can thrive in a time of global warming.
Similarly, native grass like buffalo grass is used to replace non-native grass
Water and Storm Drainage
Twelve miles of the canal are now suitable for storm water use
More miles will gradually be added
Berms have been built to enhance water quality HTLC tries to keep the water in the canal flowing because mosquitoes breed in stagnant water
Every year thousands of pounds of trash are removed from the Canal, sometimes by volunteers
A Conservation Easement
The HLTC has obtained a conservation easement for the canal, its banks, and the trail, so they cannot be developed
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities for volunteers
Contact her if you would like to volunteer.
UHNA discussed the idea of hosting another High Line Canal cleanup as we have in the past.
David Mindock
Reporter
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