Tri-Lakes Comprehensive
Plan Update
DRAFT

In Appreciation

Map - Overview of the Planning Area

Table of Contents

Overview and Plan Summary

Introduction

The Vision - The Mission

Topical Sections:

• Natural Systems
• Parks, Trails and Open Space
• Facilities and Services
• Drainage and Flood Control
• Transportation
• Water and Waste Water
• Growth and Land Use
• Economic Development
• Historic Resources
• Clustering and Open Space
  

Plan Overlays:

• I-25 Visual Overlay
• State Highway 83

Sub-Area Plan Sections:

• Town of Palmer Lake
• Elephant Rock
• West Monument Creek
• Town of Monument & Jackson Creek
• Mount Herman
• Twin Valleys (Forest Lakes)
• Woodmoor
• West Cherry Creek
• Ponderosa Breaks
• Gleneagle/ Academy View
• Smith Creek
• Northgate Cooperative Area
  

Maps:

• Concept Plan
• Transportation
• Parks, Trails and Visual Resources
• Development Status
• Zoning

Implementation Plan:

• Introduction
• Approach
• Implementation Program

As a tree's roots serve to anchor its growing trunk; a community's historic roots serve as an anchor to its future. The history of the Palmer Divide and Tri-Lakes is rich and diverse. Preservation is more than saving mementos. Historic preservation is recognizing the accomplishments from previous generations as the building blocks that guide future generations.

• Develop a Historic Preservation Plan through the Colorado Historical Society and National Registry of Historic Places.

• Utilize all reasonable and Board of County Commissioners approved funding methods for historic development and reconstruction projects, including grants, public and private funding, community involvement, and volunteerism.

• Foster the community's interest and support for historic preservation.

• Establish historic building code standards to insure that future growth fits within historic preservation and planning guidelines.

• Preserve suitable abandoned transportation routes as trails or other community assets.

BACKGROUND

The Tri-Lakes area has been influenced throughout its history by transportation routes. Most of the early settlement history centered around the railroad. In the late 1800's, two railroads passed through the towns of Palmer Lake and Monument, one of which is still operation and the other is now the New Santa Fe Trail. Ranching and Native American history also had significant influence on this area.

Much of the history of the area has been documented by the Palmer Lake Historical Society and is available at the Palmer Lake Library. In addition to the Society's efforts, other studies by private citizens and historic non-profits have served to further document the area's history. One such effort is the Tri-Lakes Historic Preservation Plan, that was developed through a Colorado Historical Society grant and the Tri-lakes Chamber of Commerce. This Plan has documented all buildings over 40 years in age and researched some of the earlier economic influences of the area.

The New Santa Fe Trail is a popular regional multipurpose non-motorized trail. The trail protects a historic railroad right-of-way and open land with many native plant species and riparian habitat. The El Paso County Parks Department has provided interesting interpretive signage along the trail.

Architectural preservation in the area has been accomplished primarily by the conscientious efforts of individual citizens and non-profit groups. Much of the research has focused on the Towns of Palmer Lake and Monument and can be found in the Vaile Historical Museum in Palmer Lake.

ISSUE HS.1 HISTORIC SITES, STRUCTURES AND ARTIFACTS.

Organizations that support historic research and preservation include the Colorado Historical Society, Friends of the Library and the Daughters of the American Revolution. However, it has largely been up to individuals and/or special interest groups to protect local historic sites and structures. One such group is the Vaile Historical Museum in Palmer Lake. Much has been written about settlement and pre-settlement history but more research is needed to document and preserve the past.

Although public funding for historic preservation activities has traditionally been limited, the State's Limited Impact Gaming Revenues now have begun to contribute a significant source of revenue for qualifying projects.

A considerable amount of the region's history lies buried. Archaeologists continue to unearth artifacts of earlier cultures but there is no central database or systematic way to document research and artifacts.

OBJECTIVES

HR.1.1 Consider preservation of significant historic and visual resources when siting roadcuts, utility lines, outside storage, water tanks, and buildings.

HR.1.2 Where feasible, support adaptive reuse such as non-motorized multi-use trails for abandoned railway, stagecoach, and roadway corridors.

HR.1.3 Encourage reporting and documenting artifacts unearthed during construction of roadcuts, utility lines, outside storage, water tanks and buildings.

HR.1.4 Encourage individual research, documentation and preservation of the County's legacy. Encourage the donation of copies of research documentation to the Vaile Historical Museum in the Town of Palmer Lake.

PROPOSED ACTIONS

HR.1.5 Identify, inventory, and categorize historic sites, structures and artifacts.

HR.1.6 Comply with applicable requirements of the federal Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (as amended) (16 U.S.C.470, et. seq.), National Historic Preservation Act, Historic Sites Act (16 U.S.C. 461, et. seq.), and State Statutes governing historical, prehistorical, and archaeological resources (C.R.S. 24-80-401, et. seq.) and registration of historic places (9 C.R.S. 24-80-101, et. seq.).

HR.1.7 Support local incentives for historic preservation and adaptive reuse.