Timeline

RFP Released:  September 29, 2023

RFP Due:   October 27, 2023

RFP Awarded:    November 10, 2023

Execution of Work:   November 27, 2023 - June 2024

Project Completion:  June 2024

 

Project Purpose

Central Colorado Conservancy (Conservancy) seeks a skilled land management planner on a contract basis to facilitate the creation of a management plan for the newly formed Arkansas River Community (ARC) Preserve. The ARC Preserve conserves two miles of river frontage and approximately 270 acres along the Arkansas River primarily in Lake County. The ARC Preserve is the result of collaboration between the Conservancy, Lake County, Colorado Open Lands, and others. The ARC Preserve was created to protect open space, the river corridor and wildlife habitat and to provide public access for passive and low impact recreation. Lake County holds the Public Access Easement and access will be managed in partnership by the County. Public access will not be allowed on the ARC Preserve until a management plan is in place.

 

Scope of Work 

The planner will be responsible for facilitating the creation of a management plan on behalf of the Conservancy, Lake County, and Colorado Open Lands. Responsibilities will include:

• Facilitating management planning meetings with the core planning team comprised of the Conservancy, Lake County and Colorado Open Lands

• Developing a scope of work and timeline for the creation of management plan in coordination with the core planning team.

• Identifying key partners and stakeholders

• Reviewing and synthesizing 1) the Public Access Easement held by Lake County and the Conservation Easement held by Colorado Open Lands; 2) applicable aspects of land management plans for the adjacent US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management plans; and 3) any relevant Lake and Chaffee county land use plans.  

• Facilitating advisory meetings with technical experts, relevant agencies, and key stakeholders

• Creating and implementing a community engagement plan

• Providing an analysis of stakeholder recommendations and viewpoints

• Writing the land management plan

 

Anticipated activities and meetings include:

• Planning and facilitating remote meetings with project partners and stakeholders

• Planning and attending in-person meetings with community stakeholders and the public in Lake County

• Coordinating and attending site visits to the ARC Preserve in Lake County

• Coordinating with the Conservancy, Lake County, and Colorado Open Lands to develop a management plan

• Presenting final recommendations to the Conservancy and project partners

 

Deliverables:

• Analysis of key findings and recommendations for public uses on the Preserve

• Analysis of key natural and cultural values of the Preserve and recommendations for protection

• Analysis of key finds from 1) the Public Access Easement held by Lake County and the Conservation Easement held by Colorado Open Lands; 2) applicable aspects of land management plans for the adjacent US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management plans; and 3) any relevant Lake and Chaffee county land use plans. 

• Comprehensive land management plan for the Preserve outlining the plan’s purpose, management goals and actions for public access and protecting the Preserve’s conservation values, and future considerations for management and use of the Preserve

 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in facilitating groups to reach consensus-based recommendations

• Experience creating a welcoming and neutral environment perceived by all participants as fair, transparent, and inclusive

• Skilled at soliciting input from individuals from various sectors

• Experience at gathering and using data to articulate strategic recommendations

• Experience in inspiring others to think creatively and innovatively

• Abilities and tools that foster and facilitate connections, relationships, and trust that enable collaborative problem-solving

• Working knowledge of land and recreation management is desired

 

Instructions to Applicants

• Please submit a proposal, no more than 3 pages, highlighting the following:

• Your prior relevant experience

• Your approach to designing the planning process and ensuring equitable representation and participation in the planning process

• Your approach to collecting relevant information and translating that information into a management plan

• A detailed timeline for the project, to be completed no later than June 2024

• A budget reflecting time, materials (and travel if relevant) outlined in your proposal. Note, the decision will be based on merit and experience, not solely lowest cost.

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Please email your proposal with ARC Preserve RFP in the subject line to Bryce Howe, at bryce@centralcoloradoconservancy.org by 5:00 pm MDT on October 27, 2023.

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Central Colorado Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Our work culture embraces—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives, contributions and experiences of all our staff.