The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) is temporarily closing areas in order to protect nesting and roosting burrowing owls and osprey. Properties where burrowing owls nest will be closed from March 15 through Oct 31.  Properties closed for the protection of nesting osprey will be closed from March 15 through Sept. 10.  Closures may be lifted early if monitoring indicates it is appropriate.

The following property will be closed for the protection of osprey:

 

Axelson (northwest of Boulder Reservoir; portions closed).

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The following properties will be closed for the protection of burrowing owls:

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  • Damyanovich/Yunker (north of Marshall Drive, between Cherryvale Road and US 36);
  • Jafay/Lynch (north of Lookout Road and east of 75th Street);
  • Cosslett/Knaus (South of Lookout Road and east of 75th Street);
  • Kelsall (north of High-Plains Trail, trail remains open);
  • Mesa Sand and Gravel (east of 66th Street, south of Marshall Drive); and
  • Superior Associates (north of High-Plains Trail, trail remains open).

 

 

These closures were established to protect sensitive species.  Burrowing owls nest in prairie dog burrows and their populations are declining in Colorado.  This bird is listed as threatened by the Colorado Division of Wildlife has been listed as endangered or as a species of “special concern” in 12 US states and in Canada.  Staff will be monitoring these sites and others during the spring and summer to understand more about the distribution and breeding biology of this owl on city property.

 

 

 

City of Boulder relies heavily on the public to respect the closures, and the cooperation of visitors to avoid these areas is greatly appreciated. Trespass violations can result in a summons with penalties up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

 

 

 

More detailed information and maps can be found on the Open Space and Mountain Parks’ website: www.osmp.org. or call 303-441-3440.

 

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