Reply on Conservation/Wilderness Parks

We appreciate recent comments about the conservation/ wilderness parcels in the Mountain Park System from Zane and Knoxy.

Some Denver Mountain Park parcels acquired primarily for conservation or view (e.g., Hicks Mountain and Mt. Judge) have potential for passive recreation and a rich cultural history to protect and share. Clearly some of these conservation areas, especially cliff faces or other important wildlife habitat, will be conserved as they are. Many have little or no public access, or the only nearby road is a small, residential mountain road that's insufficient (or inappropriate) to accommodate the public.

We think it is important to respect quiet residential neighborhoods and private property, and do not encourage public access that is intrusive or illegal. Neighbors of these remote Denver Mountain Parks have had informal access to these parcels and, in many cases, have provided a level of helpful stewardship and extra "eyes" on these parks.

The Master Plan does not recommend restricting access for those adjacent to remote parks, or those who have permission from adjoining landowners to access the land, unless access routes are destructive or unsustainable. We do expect that all activity on parklands will conform to established park rules and will protect the resource. [The Master Plan suggests only that we should “identify and close problematic social trails” in these parks.]

Your comments have triggered discussion. There are parcels that might benefit from better safety and maintenance access by DMP staff, but limited budgets preclude new acquisition to provide access or recreational development. However, when appropriate opportunities do arise, we hope to take them. We are continuing discussions with Clear Creek, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties, as well as other land management agencies, about joint projects, possible trails, and conservation easements. New Clear Creek County Open Space and Forest Service lands adjacent to remote DMP parcels may allow us to plan for some public access where it wasn't possible before.

We are interested in any information on history you can share about the Mountain Parks and look forward to hearing more from you.

Thanks.

Susan Baird, Natural Resources Planner