New dog management regulations along mountain backdrop

The first in a series of changes to dog management practices in the West Trail Study Area (West TSA) will take effect on Monday, April 15. The following areas will be posted with signage reflecting the following changes:

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  • Fern Canyon Trail (from where it leaves the Mesa Trail heading west to Bear Peak – Dogs on this trail will now be allowed to be off leash with the proper use of voice and sight control
  • Lower McClintock Trail (from the wooden bridge just below the Chautauqua Auditorium along the short distance heading west until the Enchanted Mesa Trail) – Dogs will no longer be allowed on this portion of the trail
  • Boy Scout Trail (located at the Flagstaff Summit) – Dogs will no longer be allowed in this area

These changes are the result of recommendations made and approved in 2011after a rigorous public process that brought constituencies together in the form of a Community Collaborative Group to develop a set of best visitor activity and environmental protection practices for the valuable ecosystem in the west TSA. Generally speaking, the West TSA covers from Eldorado Springs Drive (south) to Linden Avenue (north) and from Broadway (east) to the west side of the Flatirons.

The group made these recommendations related to dog management, as well as others that are likely to take effect around May 1. These will include the following changes:

  • Towhee Trail – Dogs will no longer be allowed on this trail
  • Old Mesa Trail (from Lower Shadow Canyon down to Eldorado Canyon) – Dogs must be leashed and on trail
  • The Homestead Trail – Dogs will continue to be permitted off leash with the proper use of voice and sight control except for when crossing the riparian corridor, where dogs must be leashed

Be sure to check http://www.osmp.orgfor the exact dates when these future changes will go into effect and for general information about the provisions. If you have additional questions about these changes, please contact Dean Paschall at 720-564-2050.