Front Range Parks Being Destroyed By Surge Of Visitors: Officials

Parks and trails across the Front Range have seen a surge of visitors since the new coronavirus outbreak began, as Coloradans seek fresh air and exercise amid the stay-at-home orders in their counties.

Rangers, ecologists and staff members with Boulder, Denver and Jefferson counties' open space agencies have seen plant damage and widened trails as many hikers step off the trails to adhere to social distancing rules, officials said.

Declining tax revenue will likely decrease overall open space maintenance efforts as the high visitation continues, the parks and open space agencies said.

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Parks officials are reminding Coloradans to recreate close to home. The agencies have added temporary closures at crowded trailheads and full parking lots, but staff may implement additional closures to mitigate trail and natural resource damage, officials said.

The agencies have issued the following parks guidelines for hikers:

• While open space agencies understand visitors may need to temporarily step off trail to maintain physical distance, they encourage everyone to “keep off the grass and get muddy” and stay in the middle of muddy trails if no one else is around. If visitors need to maintain physical distance on narrow trails, they should step onto a rock or a bare spot – if possible – to let others pass, then step back on the trail. They should avoid stepping on vegetation and politely announce themselves if they need to pass others.
• Open space rangers are encountering more people in wildlife closures and other sensitive closed areas, which can cause significant disturbances to local wildlife. While recreation is an essential component of these open space programs, wildlife habitat protection is also a critical function. The public is reminded to stay out of wildlife closure areas and properties closed to the public, which are marked with signs. Rangers with agencies that implement wildlife closures will be strictly enforcing closure violations.
• Open space trail staff members work with wildlife and plant ecologists to create enjoyable visitor experiences and help protect sensitive habitats. Currently, Boulder County, the City of Boulder, City and County of Denver, and Jefferson County maintain over 560 miles of designated open space trails. However, in recent weeks, many visitors have walked off designated trails and have created unmaintained “social” trails that can reduce – or fragment – large habitat areas that many wildlife species need to thrive. The agencies ask all visitors to remain on designated trails.

Those who visit parks are asked to wear masks, avoid crowded areas, park only in designated parking areas and visit parks in groups of fewer than four people.

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