Agenda Date: 10/06/2026
Subject:
Title
Resolution 69-2026: Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between with the High Line Canal Conservancy for the 2024 grant award for High Line Canal stewardship projects regarding Phase 2 of the High Line Canal Irrigated Tree Planting Pilot Project
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Mary Danser, City Forester |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
To approve a resolution authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Littleton and High Line Canal Conservancy for the 2024 grant award for High Line Canal Stewardship Projects related to Phase 2 of the High Line Canal Irrigated Tree Planting Pilot Project.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Phase 2 Arapahoe County- Installation of 1.5” Irrigation Mainline, 1” PVC laterals and Appurtenances within and across the County’s High Line Canal property, as described on the AS-BUILT drawings 23268-3 Exhibit A (“Licensed Area”).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Littleton and the High Line Canal Conservancy are partnering to design and implement an irrigated tree planting pilot project on the High Line Canal. As Littleton assumes maintenance responsibilities for the Canal, including areas with unhealthy and declining tree populations, one priority is to better understand how to successfully and sustainably establish new trees on the corridor. This project will pilot the installation of permanent irrigation infrastructure within the corridor, The pilot will allow Littleton to evaluate implications for tree establishment and health, water use, and project costs, while also assessing the feasibility of implementing this approach along other segments of Canal in the future.
Prior Actions or Discussions
Arapahoe County Open Spaces Agreement passed Council 9/16/2025 as Resolution 87-2025.
Highline Canal Conservancy Agreement passed Council on 9/16/2025 as Resolution 88-2025.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
No change from original agreements, just time extension for completion and updated license agreement attached.
Of the total cost of $353,000, the Arapahoe County Open Space grant is $233,000, and the High Line Canal Conservancy is providing a match of $120,000. There are no city funds associated with this project.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
If council does not approve the agreement, this outside funding source could be lost. This could affect the city’s ability to secure future grant funding from Arapahoe County, hinder the city’s relationship with the High Line Conservancy, and delay the project until another funding source is identified.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 69-2026 approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the High Line Canal Conservancy for the 2024 grant award for High Line Canal stewardship projects regarding Phase 2 of the High Line Canal Irrigated Tree Planting Pilot Project.