High Line Canal Conservancy 2016 Report to the Community

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 2016

DEAR FRIENDS,

Over 100 years ago in the heart of Boston, the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed the historic Emerald Necklace greenway as a means to connect people and nature. People considered the design transformational. Today, communities around the world are busy planning greenways for their many documented social, recreational and environmental benefits. They are purchasing land, securing easements and spending hundreds of millions of dollars to build urban trails and greenways.

Here at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, we celebrate an unlikely greenway: the High Line Canal. Not designed by a famous landscape architect, our Canal was instead hand dug for the functional purpose of bringing water to a growing city. The engineers and investors who built the Canal in the 1880’s unintentionally gifted our region a crown jewel – one of the longest and most historic greenways in the country.

Today, we join with the Canal’s owner, Denver Water, and the communities that surround the Canal, to commit to a regional vision for the long-term preservation, care and enhancement of this historic jewel.

As passionate stewards leading the protection and future planning for the High Line Canal, we enthusiastically share with you this report highlighting the substantial steps we have taken toward preserving and enhancing the Canal. The most significant of these milestones is the Community Vision Plan: a critical first step toward the protection and enhancement of the Canal as a regional greenway. The plan and other accomplishments you see highlighted in this report are all strategic advancements set into motion by our nascent but thriving Conservancy.

As you enjoy the Canal, take a moment to appreciate its unlikely history and the very deliberate and thoughtful planning that is being guided by the Conservancy Board, staff and many valuable partners.

Today more than ever the Canal needs your help; we urge you to become a member and support us in our mission.

Harriet Crittenden LaMair

Nina Beardsley Itin

Executive Director

Board Chair

Greenways are linear parks that “borrow the power in our minds of the river, the forest, and the journey. ”

Stuart MacDonald, (Colorado State Trails Coordinator), Greenways: Preserving our Urban Environment, Trilogy, 1991

WHO WE ARE The High Line Canal Conservancy is a nonprofit representing the passionate community of private citizens dedicated to protecting the High Line Canal. Working closely with its partners, including Denver Water and the 11 jurisdictions along the Canal’s reach, the Conservancy provides leadership in support of comprehensive planning to ensure that the Canal is protected and enhanced for future generations. It is our mission to preserve, protect and enhance the 71-mile-long Canal in partnership with the public.

VISION PLANNING KICKED OFF WITH GOVERNOR JOHN HICKENLOOPER On May 31, 2016, the Governor kicked off phase one of the High Line Canal planning initiative. The event began with enthusiastic and heartfelt comments from Mayor Steve Hogan (Aurora), Commissioner Nancy Doty (Arapahoe County), Councilwoman Kendra Black (Denver), Anthony Graves (representing Mayor Michael B. Hancock), Tom Roode (Director of Operations, Denver Water) and Governor John Hickenlooper. Along with Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) and Bicycle Colorado, the Governor led a group, including 15 Aurora youth, on an 8-mile bike ride along the Canal trail in Aurora.

WHY WE DO IT

THE HIGH LINE CANAL: AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER

The High Line Canal extends from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the expansive prairie stretching to the east. Along the way, the Canal offers the unique experience of exploring the extraordinary mosaic of people, places, landscapes and wildlife of the region.

The historic Canal has always faced challenges

as an irrigation delivery system due in part to its low priority water rights and high rate of seepage. Today, as the Denver metro region experiences unprecedented growth, the Canal offers an extraordinary opportunity for the community to join together to maximize the potential of this tremendous resource.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL

THE HIGH LINE CANAL HAS CREATED ITS OWN

GREEN VALLEY RANCH GOLF CLUB

ECOSYSTEM OVER THE LAST 133 YEARS – AN ECOSYSTEM

STAR K RANCH

THAT ADJOINS 72 GREEN SPACES AND

DELANEY FARM

CONSERVATION

FAIRMOUNT CEMETERY

AREAS, FOR A TOTAL OF 8,226 ACRES.

CHERRY CREEK COUNTRY CLUB

BLACKMER COMMON CHERRY CREEK RESERVOIR DEKOEVEND OPEN SPACE PARK

WRITER’S VISTA PARK

CHATFIELD STATE PARK

The High Line Canal is special to me because...

WATERTON CANYON

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it represents the diversity of the Denver, a unique corridor for wildlife and nature, an unparalleled source of recreation and a window to Colorado’s water history and agricultural heritage.

CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS IN A GROWING REGION THE CONSERVANCY’S VISION FOR THE CANAL, WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY: The High Line Canal’s 71 meandering miles will be preserved and enhanced as a cherished greenway that connects people to nature and binds varied communities together from the foothills to the plains.

The primary uses of the Canal are clearly shifting away from irrigation water delivery and toward municipal stormwater and recreational use.

This requires careful consideration to ensure these uses are fully supported while at the same time preserving the characteristics that make the Canal so special.

The High Line Canal is at an important turning point in its history. Dug by hand between 1881 and 1883, the Canal was originally constructed as an irrigation ditch to bring South Platte River water to surrounding farmlands. Over time, the farmland has given way to residential subdivisions and the use of the Canal as an important ecological and recreational amenity has steadily increased. Water conservation has also grown more important in an era of increasing scarcity and demand for water supplies. At times, and in some areas, more than 70 percent of the irrigation water seeps out or evaporates before reaching a Denver Water customer.

The Canal continues to serve as a water delivery utility for a fraction of its original water users. However, the recreational and municipal desires for use of the Canal have been growing since its maintenance path opened as a recreational trail for the region in the 1970s.

THE CONSERVANCY’S CRITICAL ROLE The Conservancy, in its two-year existence, has successfully led an unprecedented community outreach effort and brought representatives and leaders from 11 jurisdictions and Denver Water to the table to plan for the future of the Canal.

Great places don’t happen accidentally.

“They’re really the effort of inspired leaders

and citizens coming together and having a shared vision for what the future can be. The High Line Canal Conservancy has decided to have this incredible community conversation to collectively write the story about what the future will look like for the Canal.

”

Gina Ford, Sasaki Associates, High Line Canal Planning Consultant

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AN INCLUSIVE AND PASSIONATE CONVERSATION Thousands of community members, including representatives from the local jurisdictions, actively participated in the writing of the Vision Plan. They came to open houses, filled in online surveys, participated in community events, engaged along the Canal itself and welcomed focused discussions in their meeting rooms and neighborhoods.

The process promoted awareness of the Canal as a resource and created a shared understanding of its future.

The Community’s Voice in Shaping the Vision: To establish a vision for the Canal’s next one hundred years, the Conservancy engaged a broad range of Canal users – walkers, equestrians, families, nature-lovers, bicyclists and others who use the Canal every day – and explored a wide array of opportunities.

Adventure on the High Line Canal – branded to express a spirit of journey and an ambition to write a powerful forward-looking story – was a diverse, playful series of forums for

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public engagement and meaningful input.

The planning team structured a community outreach process that involved multiple tactics: Community Open Houses, online surveys, Strategic Input Sessions with key stakeholders, City as Play events designed to draw out the desires of youth and attending popular community events. Thousands of community members and stakeholders participated, including both current trail users and others who were previously unaware of the Canal.

SAMPLE QUESTION: WHAT ASPECTS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE?

Community members were asked questions such as this one in surveys throughout our public outreach phase.

# of boxes checked wholistic 71 miles

•4 0 leaders and experts participated in eight Strategic Input Sessions • 125 youth active, including 2 City as Play events • 1 50 community members walked multiple sections, 16 of whom walked all 71 miles

mobility connections 90 other 3 20

40

•7 0 community events attended to share news and generate excitement about the process

• 500 survey responses

105

historic profile/ construction 51

0

• 3,500 people engaged

• 1 2 Community Open Houses, totaling more than 1,200 attendees

95

ecosystem

A SUMMER OF OUTREACH ALONG THE ENTIRE REACH OF THE CANAL

60

80

100

120

View our video about the vision planning at highlinecanal.org/video2017

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COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER GROWING PARTNERSHIPS

Tackling the challenges of a growing region requires different ways of thinking, increased collaboration and new types of partnerships. The Vision Plan for the High Line Canal represents a model of regional cooperation – led by an effective partnership between the High Line Canal Conservancy, Denver Water and Arapahoe County along with the City and County of Denver, the City of Aurora and Douglas County and supported with representatives from every jurisdiction actively and eagerly at the table.

Commissioners Bill Holden, Nancy Jackson, Nancy Sharpe, and Nancy Doty; Councilwoman Kathy Turley and Mayor Steve Hogan

Tim Erickson, Krystle Berkey, Brooke Bell, Tom Barrett, from the City of Aurora

Gov. John Hickenlooper with Harriet LaMair, High Line Canal Conservancy Executive Director.

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Tom Roode, Chief of Operations and Maintenance for Denver Water

Denver Councilwoman Kendra Black and City of Aurora Manager of Open Space and Natural Resources, Pat Schuler

Denver Water: As owners of the Canal, Denver Water has shown tremendous leadership and cooperation in supporting the longterm region-wide planning for the future of the Canal. They are deeply supportive of the Conservancy and the public partnerships in place to find the best public uses for the Canal for many generations to come. Their staff leadership and resources have been critical in creating the Conservancy and advancing the Vision Plan.

High Line Canal Working Group: Formed in 2010, the High Line Canal Working Group consists of elected officials and high level staff from the jurisdictions and other public organizations, as well as Denver Water. This group works to cooperatively to build consensus, leverage funding and advance projects to enhance the recreational experience along the Canal.

High Line Canal Core Management Team (Core Team): Officially formed in 2015, the Core Team includes Denver Water, Arapahoe County, Aurora, the City and County of Denver, Douglas County and the High Line Canal Conservancy.

As explained in the Core Team Memorandum of Understanding, the Core Team’s “focus will be to coordinate and be a catalyst for the many different process streams that will need to take place for an eventual decision by Denver Water on the disposition of the High Line Canal Greenway. The top line objective of the Core Team is to achieve maximum possible beneficial public use/s for the High Line Canal.”

Arapahoe County: The Arapahoe County Open Space program, the County Commissioners and staff leadership have

served as the catalyst for protecting and enhancing the Canal, as well as the creation of the Conservancy and the Vision Plan. The County’s commitment, not just of funding, but of their expertise and formation of the High Line Canal Working Group, will continue to be impactful to the future of the Canal and the Conservancy.

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO): GOGO’s early commitment of planning funds served as the first grant through which the Conservancy raised matching funds to structure the vision planning initiative. The work of GOCO improves and enhances parks and trails of all sizes and types throughout the state. We look forward to a long-term partnership with GOCO as initiatives are developed to move the Vision Plan into actions and enhancements for the Canal.

Gates Family Foundation: The Gates Family Foundation supports the development of public places that create opportunities for people to gather, recreate and celebrate, and that promote local tourism and economic activity. Gates selects projects that significantly leverage other public and private resources and provide meaningful benefits to the community. Through Gates’ strategic grant making program, the Conservancy’s planning and leadership have been supported. The foundation’s recognition of the recreational and environmental value of the Canal to the region and the critical need for leadership to harness the partnerships into a long-term plan is just one demonstration of the leadership this foundation plays throughout the State.

many areas have the opportunity to re-create a 71-mile park through the heart “of How a metropolitan area? You’ve got this unbelievable chance to take something that is 133

years old and provide an opportunity for our residents to both learn about the past and take advantage of the present. Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan

”

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE The Vision Plan is a community-driven, forward-looking story of what the Canal can be in the future. It focuses on exploring all opportunities that will help to preserve and enhance the well-loved qualities of this environmental and recreational jewel. The intent of the Vision Plan is to ensure the Canal reaches its greatest potential as an environmental, recreational, social, historic and economic asset along all of its 71 miles.

The Vision Plan includes opportunities for preserving and enhancing the Canal’s

character and identity, strategies for celebrating the different communities and landscapes along the Canal, and ideas for future actions and processes to engage communities, partner organizations and governmental agencies. It also has revealed great interest in exploring stormwater as a benefit for the surrounding areas, preserving the Canal’s natural character for future generations to enjoy and offering a costeffective, environmentally beneficial green infrastructure.

VISION STATEMENT The High Line Canal’s 71 meandering miles will be preserved and enhanced as a cherished greenway that connects people to nature and binds varied communities together from the foothills to the plains.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES Natural To preserve the natural character of the Canal, ensuring it continues to be a natural refuge for the region’s population and wildlife. The Canal’s natural, scenic beauty is integral to its identity.

Connected and Continuous To maintain and increase the connectivity of the Canal along all 71 miles, preserving and enhancing the Canal’s use as an important continuous resource and part of the regional environmental and trail network.

Varied To respect the variety of communities and experiences along the Canal and to preserve its various physical characteristics through the course of its 71 miles.

Managed To work together in order to preserve and support a long-term, sustainable future for generations to come. Our Canal is a critical, cherished asset for the region.

Enhanced To enhance the enjoyment and use of the Canal in keeping with its natural and varied character.

was the “firstThetimeVisionthatPlan the public

had the opportunity to constructively engage with planning for the High Line Canal. The public’s engagement in the next steps to identify the important details and actions people want to see in the future is, arguably, even more important.

”

High Line Canal Conservancy Board Chair Marty Zeller

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS + HIGHLIG HTS CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Learn + Connect Series: The Conservancy successfully launched a series of informational events to introduce the organization and its mission to communities within the jurisdictions along the High Line Canal starting in March of 2016. In total, these Learn and Connect events reached over 500 people prior to the official launch of the Outreach and Vision Planning Initiative.

ACTIVATING THE CANAL

Stewardship: In partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the Conservancy be hosting three stewardship events (care and improvement programs) in 2017. The Conservancy is working with local communities to identify stewardship projects for 2017, which will range from critical weed mitigation and clean ups to tree planting, plant and bush inventories and trail maintenance and restoration.

Environmental Education: The Conservancy and Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) are forming a partnership for 2017-2018 that will result in a youth-focused environmental education curriculum tailored to engage youth through a series of in-the-field events in each of the Canal’s character zones.

Guided tours: The Conservancy has developed a partnership with Walk2Connect to encourage appreciation and use of the Canal. Over 150 people have joined in walking and informationgathering tours along all 71 miles of the Canal trail. Through these programs, 16 walkers have walked the entire 71 miles, with many more walkers signed up for the challenge in 2017!

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PRESERVING THE CANAL

Historic Inventory: Through a grant from the Colorado Parks Foundation and Conservancy support, a survey of historic resources along the High Line Canal corridor was completed in late October 2016. The survey provides an overview of the the numerous types of historic resources located both within and adjacent to the Canal. A primary focus of the study was the historic infrastructure of the Canal itself. The survey also looked at individual properties and landscapes that historically relied on the Canal’s waters, including farmsteads, residences, golf courses and cemeteries. With this valuable resource in hand, we will be taking steps to celebrate and preserve some of these important historical elements.

Find out more: highlinecanal.org/resources.

Economic Development: The Conservancy is encouraging Canal-sensitive development through partnerships and communications with developers, local planning staff and urban planning leaders. In 2016, through the UC-Denver College of Architecture and Planning, the Conservancy benefited from the Capstone Project research of Alison Redenz.

Her work resulted in a “Redevelopment Analysis and Assessment along the High Line Canal Greenway.” This report sheds light on the redevelopment opportunities along the Canal, looking through the lens of equitable development, especially as the cost of living accelerates in the metro region. Find out more: highlinecanal.org/resources.

The High Line Canal “ is one of the crown jewels

of the metro region for its environmental and recreational values. The role of the Canal has evolved over the past 100 years to provide more emphasis on recreation. We’re excited to work with the community as we all ‘think big’ about the future of the Canal.

Denver Water CEO/manager Jim Lochhead

”

393 24% 274 17% 3% %

A NEW LIFE FOR A REGIONAL LEGACY

Communities across the country and around the world are creatively repurposing obsolete and abandoned infrastructure for broader benefits. The High Line Canal’s diverse attributes—its rich history, cultural significance, unique ecology and recreational potential – make it an unprecedented and multi-beneficial reuse opportunity for the metro region.

While still committed to working with existing customers to convey water for irrigation, Denver Water is considering whether the Canal could embrace additional use for stormwater management based on the potential benefits it might provide to municipalities and the region Denver Stormwater Project: The Denver Department of Public Works, with the Conservancy as a key stakeholder, is developing a plan for proposed stormwater project near Eisenhower Park. Construction on the demonstration project is expected to start in 2017.

540 followers

335 followers

228 followers

Funding: Total Projected Cost of $750,000 from the City and County of Denver Greenwood Village Stormwater Project Greenwood Village entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Urban Drainage Flood Control District to develop a conceptual plan to repurpose a section of the High Line Canal for stormwater treatment and conveyance.

Funding: $40,000 with $20,000 from Greenwood Village and $20,000 from Urban Drainage Flood Control District

ENHANCING THE CANAL

The Conservancy continues to support the work of the High Line Canal Working Group, Denver Water and the jurisdictions to make improvements to the Canal.

Diversion Structure: The Canal did not see water flow from the Platte River in 2016 due to the damaged diversion structure. The diversion structure, located approximately two miles up Waterton Canyon and built between 1880 and 1883, was severely damaged in the spring of 2015 due to extremely high flows. Denver Water invested $1.4 million to repair the historic structure, which was complete in November 2016.

Tree Survey: Over the summer of 2016, the High Line Canal Working Group funded a comprehensive tree inventory project that identified, geolocated and assessed all trees with diameters greater than six inches along the High Line Canal corridor. This data will be used to analyze what is required to properly manage the trees, reduce safety risk for trail users and better understand the health of the tree canopy. Field data recorded a total of 23,677 trees throughout the High Line Canal corridor, made up of 97 different species of trees. The top 10 most common species make up 86% of the total trees. The Conservancy is working with our partners to use this valuable data to enhance the current canopy and plan for new drought tolerant tree plantings.

Hampden and Colorado Underpass The City and County of Denver, Arapahoe County and Cherry Hills Village have come together to create a safe connection where there currently is a gap in the Canal trail. The Conservancy is working with the City and County of Denver to advocate for the inclusion of a robust public art component to the underpass projects. The project is fully funded, and expected to be constructed 2018-2019.

HIGH LINE CANAL TREE SURVEY

percent tree type of total (common name) trees Eastern Cottonwood

31%

Green Ash

14%

Siberian Elm

12%

Lanceleaf Cottonwood

8%

Peachleaf Willow

5%

Boxelder

4%

Narrowleaf Cottonwood

4%

Crack Willow

3%

Russian Olive

3%

Common Hackberry

2%

total (top 10)

86%

Location: S. Colorado Blvd and E. Hampden Ave., Denver CO; Cost: $5.4 million with $4.32 million from federal sources and $1.08 million from Cherry Hills Village, Arapahoe County and the City and County of Denver.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS + HIGHLIG HTS continued

Parker and Mississippi Underpass: In partnership with Arapahoe County, the City and County of Denver is funding the design and construction of an underpass at Parker and Mississippi. This project is expected to begin late 2017 or early 2018.

Location: E. Mississippi Ave and S. Parker Road, Denver, CO; Cost: $3.2 million Faster Funds, $400,000 from the City and County of Denver and $400,000 from Arapahoe County.

Quebec Way Trailhead: Arapahoe County completed the Quebec Trailhead Project in the late fall of 2016. This trailhead adds greater Canal access to the Four Square Mile Neighborhood by providing a new parking lot for vehicles, bike racks, kiosk with a Canal trail map, entrance sign, trash can, portable restroom, fencing, lighting and ADA access to the Canal.

Location: Quebec Way in Four Square Mile Neighborhood (Unincorporated Arapahoe County); Cost: $714,155 South Suburban Parks and Recreation Enhancements: South Suburban Parks and Recreation District in partnership with Arapahoe County Open Space and the Cities of Littleton and Centennial, made progress to enhance connections and facilities along the Canal, including the replacement of the Bannock bridge, deKoevend parking lot and Ice Arena bridges and installation of the Franklin Street bridge, Elati Street trailhead upgrade and Milliken Park restroom.

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Aurora Enhancements: Aurora has continued to dedicate resources to make improvements to the High Line Canal trail. They completed the extension of the trail to Tower Road and made the connection between Triple Creek, Sand Creek and the High Line Canal. In addition, the City is preparing construction documents for the Triple Creek Trailhead, which will provide parking for cars and equestrians that connects these three regional trail systems. Additional amenities include a restroom, connecting trails, site furniture and way finding signs. Future amenities include picnic shelters, a natural playground and a mountain bicycle skills course.  

LOOKING FORWARD STRATEGIC GOALS

Late in 2016 the Conservancy began quietly laying the groundwork to fulfill an essential chapter in its development: becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Two years of effective fiscal sponsorship by the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center positioned the organization both financially and organizationally to create the necessary processes, policies and systems to stand on its own.

This important milestone is a manifestation of the successful, quick growth the organization has maintained. It is also a product of the trust the public, governmental partners and Denver Water have in the Conservancy’s capacity to serve as a champion and longterm steward of the Canal. To this end, the Conservancy’s board and staff will pursue the following four strategic goals from 2017 to 2019: 1. Expand awareness, understanding and use of the Canal 2. Preserve and enhance the Canal environment and its surroundings in line with the Canal vision, guiding principles and Conservancy values 3. Create a long-term management, governance and funding model for the Canal that includes an enduring Conservancy and implementation of the Canal vision 4. Develop sustainable funding sources to implement the Canal vision

Broad and passionate support The Conservancy is working with each jurisdiction to pass a resolution, demonstrating the region-wide support for the community-driven vision. Each resolution represents a formal

“

In its short tenure the High Line Canal Conservancy has jumped into its role as the catalyst for communities and the public to find a shared vision for a unique trail that will create a legacy for the greater Denver Community. Denver Water is to be congratulated as well for their foresight and understanding of what makes Colorado a great place. I am very grateful that they continue to be a responsible steward of the High Line Canal during its transition from irrigation canal to recreational trail and wildlife preserve.

”

Cherry Hills Village Mayor Laura Christman

acknowledgement of the collaborative process that has informed the Vision Plan.

They also represent each community’s commitment to see the vision of the Canal fulfilled in a way distinct to that community.

Critical Path forward The Vision Plan sets the overall direction for the future of the Canal. The next focus for the Canal’s planning will develop opportunities in pursuit of the vision that preserve, protect and enhance the Canal. This phase of planning will touch on all aspects of the Canal – preserving its history, exploring stormwater benefits and opportunities, improving safe access and crossings, protecting ecosystems and natural character, improving maintenance and the overall experience while enhancing the distinct character of each of its five character zones (see back cover). The outcome will be a roadmap for the Canal’s future physical form and continue to align the Canal’s governance and funding structure with the vision.

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FUNDING + DEVELOPMENT The generous annual support of individuals, foundations and government agencies enables the Conservancy to leverage resources and do more for the Canal than any one group could do on its own. There were 202 contributors in 2016, of which 82% were new donors to the organization.

Founding Partners 71 Miles Supported by 71 Founding Partners is a campaign to raise $1,775,000 of catalytic funds through the generous support of 71 Founding Partners. Launched in late 2015, the campaign secured commitments for 21 miles in 2016, raising $525,000 in pledges and contributions. The campaign is

designed to serve as an investment in the Canal both now and for the future. Of the funds raised, 75% is designated for Conservancy planning, programs and leadership, while the remaining 25% is set aside to leverage future opportunities. To learn more about becoming a Founding Partner, visit highlinecanal.org/support.

BUILDING AWARENESS: COMMUNICATIONS + PRESS 2016 Engagement: • Launched the High Line Canal Conservancy’s Learn + Connect campaign to introduce the Conservancy, a program that reached more than 500 people • Developed a network of more than 900 community leaders ranging from elected officials, issue groups, and neighborhood organizations to help distribute Conservancy news • Established an e-newsletter list with nearly 2,400 recipients (and growing!)

• Participated in more than 70 community events to share news and generate393 24% Primarily 274 17% excitement about the process, engaging walking, 218 13% more than 3,500 people 206 12% biking, and passive activities: more active uses happen less often

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188 11% 155 8% 107 7% 61 4% 21 1% 8 1% 7 1% 37 2%

0 20 40 60 • Partnered with Denver Water to send an informational flyer about upcoming Community Open Houses to more than 250,000 accounts.

80

• Sent direct mailings to more than 10,000 households • “One big resource for the metro area”– a front-page article in the Denver Post, with a weekly readership of more than a million • Walked with over 150 community members along the Canal, 16 of whom walked all 71 miles Social media growth in 2016: In under a year, we’ve gained …

540 followers 335 followers 228 followers 2,445 subscribers

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In the media highlights: • 5280 Magazine • Denver Post YourRevenue: Hub Denver Private dona • Denver Post Your$198,124 Hub Aurora $336,878 Governmen • Arvada Press support • Fox 31 $214,024 Foundation • The Denver Channel / Channel 7 On the expenses, yes, • Denver Post, front page article remove the pennies: • Coyote Gulch $74,898 CNDC fee • Channel 9 News $117,981 Developme • Aurora Sentinel administration • Highlands Ranch Herald $527,843 Programmin • Golden Transcriptplanning and and outreac Littleton Independent • DU Clarion • Confluence-Denver • Denver Business Journal • Washington Park Profile • Fastcoexist.com

Fundraising in 2017 and Beyond A vibrant and engaging fundraising program not only raises necessary funding for programs and stewardship, but also provides a meaningful way for the community to connect with the cause. To this end, the High

Founding Partners Anonymous Anonymous* Albion Street Neighbors Bailey-Stanford Family Foundation Pam Beardsley & the Beardsley Family Laura Christman & Bill Rothacker Family Foundation Kathie & Keith Finger Karl & Barbara Friedman Family Foundation Marjorie & Thomas Gart Kareen & Jim Kimsey Sherri & Buz Koelbel Carol & Dirk McDermott The Mulvihill Family (2 miles) Denise O’Leary & Kent Thiry (3 miles) Tami Paumier & Glen Warren Mike, Keren, Kevin, & Wil Rosser* The Schovee Family Seth & Jennifer Terry* Debra & Ken Tuchman (2 miles) Amy Halperin Wood - The Marcus Foundation Foundations & Corporations High Line Canal Preservation Association LARRK Foundation (The Jornayvaz Family) Laura Jane Musser Fund (Lisa & Charles Duke) RLC Foundation (Stan & Barbara Cohen) Roundup Riders of the Rockies Heritage and Trails Foundation The Henry Laird Smith Foundation (Mary Laird & Russell O. Stewart) Shell Oil Company Foundation Streetside Properties

$50,000+ Anonymous $5,000+ Dianne & Daniel Tully $2,500+ Amy & Ted Mower Kathy & Tom Tyree $1,000+ Robert Barnett Richard & Rebecca Benes Jock Bickert Jim & Kim Bolt Daniel Brogan & Lannie Garrett Peter & Deedee Decker Nina Beardsley Itin & Tim Itin Courtney & Steve Marsters Michelle & Kevin Sachs The Solich Family Tripta K. Wadhwa Lise Woodard & John Reilly $500+ Gertrude Grant Susan Alt Johnson Tony & Cheryl Pickett Geraldine Shenkin Klasina VanderWerf & Tom Thomas Robert & Kay Watson $250+ Carol Coe Lynda McNeive & Lynn Hornbrook The Humes Family Harriet Crittenden LaMair & Mike LaMair Evan & Evi Makowvsky Marguerite Martin The Brandon Ransom Family Caroline & Joe Rassenfoss Lorie & Chris Sadler Brian & Jana Wilkinson

Line Canal membership program will formally launch in 2017, offering donors a unique set of benefits that further connect them with the Canal and enhance their experience with the Conservancy. To learn how to become a member, visit highlinecanal.org/support.

$100+ Anonymous Jennifer & Jim Atkinson Bobby Brown Mr. & Mrs. WM. C. Barber Bruce Baskette Katrina & Craig Benes Grant & Barbara Bennett Janney & Todd Carpenter Pamela Clute Margaret Cunningham The DiGeronimo Family Bruce & Allison Dodge Matt & Terri Dunn Terry Epstein Roberta & William Fishman Friedman Family Foundation Ann & Mike Gallagher Thomas Gougeon Sara & Larry Grace Anthony E. Graves Lucinda Greene Arlene & Barry Hirschfeld David Hite Erik & Peg Kristoffersen David Lorenz Robert & Jacque McIntyre Kent Olsen Meint & Gerrie Olthof Mark & Alice Palmer Mark & Fay Plummer Mr. & Mrs. Jochen Schunck Sally Scott & Kevin Kearney Marsha Shuba Harold Smethills Carol J. Smith Jane F. Soderberg Gary Stiefler Jane Stoddart $50+ Anonymous Jeff Andersen Chuck Bartholomew & Susie Davis Robert Beck Max & Cindy Brinker

Karyn Bristow Linda Brock Brian & Jean Burke Bruce & Betty Collins Matt & Terri Dunn Pam Eller Buck & Marie Frederickson The Germains Liz Graham Kathy Green Kelly & Lynn Haecker Janis & Randy Hansen Michael Holleran Nicole Horst Melissa Kucera Geoff & Chris Landry & Family Barry Levene Carl & Sue Miller The Morss Dehncke Family Nancy N. Orcutt Mark & Amy Overland Ruth Ann Reeder Emily Robbins Marjorie Roosevelt Penelope & David Wedding The Zeile Family $25+ Anonymous Carol Brooks John & Lynn Cleveland Emily Cobb The Dionne Family Jean & Norm Fox Barbara & Larry Fullerton Merikay Haggerty Julie A. Hill Shirley Huntington Lee & Donna Larsen Amy Lease Kate Masterson John & Carolyn Melphy The Miletich Family Rebecca & Casey Miller Kenyon Moon Steve Mowbray Darlene Neid

We express gratitude to the individuals and institutions supporting our growth in 2016.

Larry O’Donnell Steve O’Dorisio Mayor Ron Rakowsky James Schwab Virginia Swenson James J. Syring Vivianne Thomas Rick & Wendy Thornton Ronald Villiotti Christine VonGunden Rebecca B. Watt Lynn Willcockson In-kind donors/volunteers Viviana Acevedo Richard & Rebecca Benes Jennifer Orrigo Charles, Colorado Preservation, Inc.

Kappner Clark Amy Coulter Dry Dock Brewing Co. Family Tree Corporation Ellen Fitzgerald Donald & Susan Johnson Jamie Mandell Courtney Marsters Anne McGonagle Robin Mendelson Ben Murray Jon Ort Robb Pickard Sharon Powers Lorie Sadler Tolly Tate Kathy Tyree Amy Unger History Colorado

*2017 donor

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PARTNERS Board of Directors

Nina Beardsley Itin chair Dirk McDermott vice chair Marty Zeller vice chair Karl Friedman treasurer Mike Rosser secretary Jock Bickert James Bolt Daniel Brogan Anthony Graves

Paula Herzmark David Lorenz Tony Pickett Tom Waymire Tracy Young Nancy Sharpe ex officio Harriet Crittenden LaMair ex officio

Conservancy Staff

Council of Advisors

Elaine Asarch Pam Beardsley Bruce Beckman Susan Beckman Kendra Black Laura Christman Peter Decker Deedee Decker Nancy Doty John Fielder Stacie Gilmore Tom Gougeon Judy Grant Newell Grant Kathy Green Michael Hancock Happy Haynes Steve Hogan

Judith Judd Kate Kramer Bob LeGare Jim Lochhead Bill Mosher Andy Nielson Betsy Oudenhoven Jim Petterson Doug Robotham Sarah Rockwell Trey Rodgers Tom Roode Jeff Shoemaker Harold Smethills Linda Strand Kathy Turley Dean Winstanley

Harriet Crittenden LaMair executive director

Jacob Stauber director of operations

Suzanna Fry Jones director of marketing + community outreach

Josh Ellsworth planning + special projects associate

Lindsay Moery program + development associate Contract assistance

Connie Brown Carol Adams Sasaki Associates

2016 FINANCIALS REVENUE private donations 26% • $ 198,124 foundation grants 29% • $ 214,024 governmental support 45% • $336,878

EXPENSES CNDC fee 11% • $ 74,898 development & administration 16% • $ 117,981 programming, planning & outreach 73% • $527,843

2016

2015

revenue

$ 749,026

$ 397,720

expenses

$ 720,722

$ 319,432

revenue over expenses

$ 28,304

$ 78,288

net assets at year-end

$ 109,370

$ 81,066

17

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

CHARACTER ZONES OF THE CANAL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The character zones acknowledge and celebrate the varying character of the Canal.

§ ¨¦

§ ¨¦

70

25

87

ADAMS COUNTY

Green Valley Ranch

CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER

Prairie Retreat 70 40 287

DENVER

30

83

AURORA § ¨¦ 225

30

Urban Refuge

85

88

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE GREENWOOD VILLAGE

LITTLETON 75

South Suburban Parks & Recreation District

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

CHERRY CREEK STATE PARK

Wooded Village CENTENNIAL

121 0

REVENUE

Highlands Ranch Metro District

private donations

CHATFIELD 26% • $ 198,124 STATE PARK foundation grants 29% • $ 214,024 governmental support 45% • $336,878

Mile 0 Diversion Structure EXPENSES

20

Rolling Foothills

§ ¨¦

Canal Trail starts here

development & administration 16% • $ 117,981

80

100

On the expenses, 915 South Pearl St • Denver, Colorado 80209 yes, remove the pennies: highlinecanal.org • hello@highlinecanal.org $74,898 CNDC fee 720.767.2452 $117,981 Development &

DOUGLAS COUNTY

85

Wild Canyon

60

Revenue: $198,124 Private donations $336,878 Governmental support $214,024 Foundation grant

25

CNDC fee 11% • $ 74,898

40

470

Primarily walking, biking, and passive activities: more active uses

393 24% 274 17% 218 13% 206 12% 188 11% 155 8% 107 7% 61 4%

administration $527,843 Programming, planning and outreach

540 followers 335 followers 228 followers

Thank you for photograph contributions: Jamie Mandell, Connie Brown, Chris Enlgert of EatWalkLearn and Environmental Learning for Kids.