ACTION ALERT
Jefferson County Releases Draft Climbing Management Guidelines
Comments due by February 28, 2005
Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) is currently in the process of developing climbing management guidelines. Following the finalization of the guidelines, site specific climbing management plans will be developed for each of the significant climbing areas in JCOS including Clear Creek Canyon, Cathedral Spires, North Table Mountain, Windy Saddle, and Mt. Lindo.
The guidelines can be viewed at: www.co.jefferson.co.us/ext/dpt/comm_res/openspac/climbing.htm
The guidelines focus heavily on restricting fixed anchors, along with possible restrictions and closures. Of particular concern, the guidelines prohibit the placement of new fixed anchors until site specific management plans are developed for each park. In effect, this is a ban on bolts that could last indefinitely. The guidelines also give JCOS broad authority to restrict or close certain areas deemed as “sensitive” although no criteria are listed for that designation.
Please take a moment to view the guidelines and submit your comments to:
Colleen Gadd
Jefferson County Open Space
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 200
Golden, CO 80401
Comments can also be sent via fax to (303)271-5997 or email: trock@jeffco.us.
It’s vital that guidelines for these significant climbing areas are developed with input from the climbing community. Therefore, please urge JCOS to work with the climbing community in revising the guidelines.
For more information, please shawn@accessfund.org.