The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) has released its draft West Trails Study Area (West TSA) plan for public review. The West TSA includes OSMP lands north of Eldorado Springs Drive, south of Linden Avenue and west of Broadway.

The draft plan includes recommendations developed by staff and those contributed by the Community Collaborative Group (CCG). The recommendations contributed by the CCG were accepted by the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) meeting held Jan. 19 for inclusion in the draft plan. The CCG’s recommendations are identified as such in the draft plan.

The staff recommendations contained in this draft plan include proposals about access for mountain biking and other recreational activities, trailhead improvements, trail re-routes, closures and designation of some undesignated trails. The department has used information contained in the comments received from individuals, and community groups throughout the 14-month CCG process.

“The community has given us valuable input at every step of the way,” said Steve Armstead, planner for OSMP. “The West TSA is important to many residents and visitors to Boulder, and they have shared their passionate concerns and suggestions with staff.”

The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction and describe the actions that will protect natural and cultural resources, improve the visitor experience, and provide a sustainable trail system.

The public is invited to provide feedback on the draft plan from Feb. 1 through Feb. 9. In particular, community members are invited to learn more about the staff recommendations for the plan at an open house scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway, in Boulder.

Immediately after the open house, the Open Space Board of Trustees will convene a meeting to review and discuss the draft plan starting at 6 p.m. The public will be welcome to comment on staff’s recommendations at that time.

The draft plan will be revised and then considered by the OSBT later in February and City Council in mid-March. The public is invited to offer input at both of these hearings.

The Draft West TSA Plan, background documents and information about how to get involved are available at the West TSA website, www.westtsa.org . For other information, call 303-441-3440.