Tough Girls rider Judy Freeman rides the Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve on Tuesday.
Yes, you read that right — there is discussion of a new trail at Betasso. For those of us who remember the fight against closing Betasso to bikes, it sounds crazy that there could be MORE trail there to ride. Perhaps this is a sign that things are changing around Boulder County for mountain bikers.
However, this stuff doesn’t happen by itself. We need to help and here’s how: The Boulder County Parks and Open Space department is taking public comment about all this. We need to show up and be the sane voices in support.
Here are the details: And note that for your comments to be considered part of the planning process, they must be received in writing. So if you’ve got the time, draft a quick letter. I know you’re all smart enough to come up with your own reasons for the trail, but as Judy pointed out, it will spread out all the users, making the area more enjoyable for hikers, horses and bikes alike.
_____________________________________________
Boulder County Parks & Open Space Seeks Public Input on Draft Betasso Preserve Management Plan
Boulder County Parks & Open Space has completed a draft management plan for Betasso Preserve and will be hosting a public open house on March 24, 2009, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., to present the plan. The meeting will be held in the Houston Room at the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s office (1750 33rd Street, Boulder). The public is free to stop by anytime between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m. to view management plan information and talk to Parks & Open Space staff regarding the plan. A presentation of the management plan will be made at 5:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. A brief question and answer session will follow each presentation.
The purpose of the open house is to present Parks & Open Space staff’s management recommendations, including a new 4.6-mile multiple use trail and a Habitat Conservation Area, and to solicit public comment on the draft plan. Information regarding the site’s existing natural, cultural, and recreational resources will be presented, as well as information on the proposed future management direction. Staff will be available throughout the night to discuss the management plan and answer questions.
To review the complete draft management plan or provide comments, visit the Parks & Open Space website at <http://www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace/index.htm> (under “Planning and Public Involvement”) or contact the project planner, Ernst Strenge, at 303-678-6269 or betassopreserve@bouldercounty.org.
Please note that in order to be considered in the management planning process, comments from the public must be received in writing. The public comment period will end on April 8, 2009.
______________________________________________________________________
Ride on.
