Posts tagged OSMP
80% of OSMP trails to be open by Jan.1
Oct 17th
The department anticipates having more than 50 percent of its trail system open on Saturday when dozens of volunteers will help the department complete rebuilding projects on the Doudy Draw trail complex south of Boulder. The volunteer assistance – which will build on the work of OSMP trail crews – will enable the department to open more miles of trails.
“We’ve made significant strides in reopening Boulder’s prized trails, but we know we have much more work ahead of us,” said Mike Patton, director of the city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department. “Our approach has been to reopen trails that serve the broadest segment of the community and to leverage the immense generosity of volunteers to help us rebuild our community’s trail system.”
When the recent flooding subsided, OSMP conducted a preliminary assessment that found it caused significant or severe damage to 77 miles of trails. Floodwater also caused some damage to dozens of miles of other trails. The department then diverted its staff – including trail crews, seasonal employees and full-time employees – to provide immediate trail access to neighborhoods and areas across Boulder.
Since the September flood, OSMP has opened 70 miles of trails, along with 20 trailheads. It has also opened climbing areas on the First and Third Flatirons, and it is working with volunteers from the Flatirons Climbing Council and Rocky Mountain Rescue Group to assess local climbing access areas and explore additional openings.
As first responders and local climbers help OSMP survey climbing areas, hundreds of other volunteers continue to help the department rebuild and restore important drainages and ecosystems. In recent weeks, OSMP has held 15 volunteer projects, which have helped the department make progress in opening more trails. Volunteers have also assisted OSMP by providing guided hikes, which give area residents insights about how the flood has impacted the city’s open space system. More than 600 people have participated in the guided hikes.
“We’re fortunate to have so many volunteers helping us to rebuild,” Patton said. “We’ve been inspired by their hard work and willingness to help the community.”
In the coming weeks, OSMP anticipates opening the following trails and areas:
- Spring Brook-Doudy Draw trail complex; Foothills Trail; Hogback Loop; Old Kiln Trail; Wonderland paragliding/hang gliding access area; Greenbriar/Thomas Lane with the South Boulder Creek West Trailhead; Flagstaff Trail and nearby climbing areas, including Flagstaff Summit, Crown Rock and Contact Corner.
By the end of 2013, OSMP expects to open:
- Sanitas Valley Trail; Amphitheatre/Gregory Loop and its nearby climbing opportunities; Skunk Canyon Trail; and the Upper and Lower Big Bluestem trails.
While OSMP is making progress opening many trails and trailheads, some trails will remain closed to the public after Jan. 1. These trails have become eroded and buried in debris, and will require significant repairs. In addition, their closure will help reduce the creation of new social trails, which causes adverse environmental impacts. Areas that will likely remain closed past the beginning of the year include:
- Four Mile Creek Trailhead: Flood water expanded the creek from 3 feet to 30 more than feet, necessitating a new bridge. Flooding also spread extensive debris in the area.
- Chapman Drive/Tenderfoot: Flooding severely damaged the road and OSMP needs to provide a walkable trail in the area.
- Access road to Green Mountain Lodge: The recent flood created a flowing creek in the roadway, which prevents access to Ranger Trail and Gregory Canyon. Re-opening this trail now would damage environmental resources.
- Multiple Mesa Trail junctions: The Bear, Skunk and Bluebell drainage crossings of the Mesa Trail have been damaged.
- East Boulder Trail at Boulder Creek (White Rocks): Large gullies and extensive debris have severely damaged the trail.
“We understand the desire to get back on the trails,” Patton said. “We’re doing everything we can to provide our community with exceptional recreational opportunities as we continue our commitment to ensure long-term resource protection.”
Boulder OSMPs to host open house on open space recovery progress
Oct 16th
The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Millennium Harvest House ballroom, 1345 28th St. OSMP staff will kick off the meeting with a presentation of its response to the flood, along with its efforts to open area trails, trailheads and climbing locations. OSMP staff members will be available to address specific questions after the department’s presentation.
The topics covered during the open house will include:
· Trail and trailhead repair, and trail opening progress
· Flood impacts on natural resources and agricultural programs
· Volunteer projects and accomplishments
· Plans for the weeks and months ahead
Since the flooding, OSMP staff and hundreds of volunteers have reopened 47 percent of its trail system, along with 57 percent of its trailheads. The department has also held 15 volunteer projects and has begun working with the Flatirons Climbing Council and Rocky Mountain Rescue Group to assess climbing areas – work that will help the department develop a comprehensive plan for opening more climbing areas across the system.
Individuals interested in volunteering for OSMP’s recovery projects should visit boulderfloodinfo.net and click on “Volunteer Opportunities” for information about how to help.
For the most current listing of trails that OSMP has opened, go to http://bit.ly/15msF85
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Mt. Park search for possible gunman ends peacefully
Oct 1st
OSMP rangers are planning to issue the individual a summons for violation of 5-8-4 (possession of a firearm on open space). We understand that this situation caused distress for members of the community, and we greatly appreciate the prompt response of police and our partners in the sheriff’s office.
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