3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? - The Durango Herald News LocalNews Nation & World New Mexico Education Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? Remediation tool can limit acidic drainage, but experts must also understand the complicated hydrology By Aedan Hannon Herald Staff Writer Wednesday, Mar 30, 2022 5:00 Kerry Guy, on-scene coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, stands at a bulkhead inside the Red and Bonita Mine north of Silverton on July 29, 2020. The bulkhead in the Red and Bonita Minei is the oniy one the EPA has installed in the Bonita Peak Mining District. There are more than a dozen bulkheads instalied in the Superfund district. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its contractors excavated the Gold King Mine on. Aug. 5, 2015, crews were attempting to assess water releases from the mine with the aim of guiding future mine remediation. Instead, they struck: rock and soil plugging the mine, releasing more than 3 million gallons of water laden with heavy metals such as lead. arsenic and cadmium into Cement Creek north of Silverton and eventually the. Animas River. htps/wwdurangoheraldcomanidesbuMheadrcausecinegegachngmnesplkcudineyasobepartolhe-soluton 1/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? - The Durango Herald Bulkheads remain relatively obscure except to those involved in mine remediation, but their purpose is toj plug mines and limit the release of mine waste while reversing the chemical processes that contribute to acid mine drainage.' They can be simple fixes for extraordinarily complex mining systems and produce unintended consequences. But they are also a critical tool for the EPA and those working to improve water quality and reduce the lingering effects of more than a century of miningi in the Bonita Peak Mining District. "They have great value and perform a really important function in mine remediation," said' Ty Churchwell, mining coordinator for Trout Unlimited, a fish conservation group. "In that sense, they are important and need tor remain in the toolbox." Kerry Guy, Environmental Protection Agency on-scene coordinator, walks inside the Red and Bonita Mine on. July 29, 2020, in the Bonita Peak Mining District, an EPA Superfund site. Mine remediation projects can use two types of bulkheads.. A "pass-through" buikhead has a vaive that aliows for the movement of water. Buikheads without valves permanently impound wastewater. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) & The role ofbulkheads in the Gold King Mine Spill Ini its October 2015 technical assessment of the incident, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation argued that bulkheads were at least partially responsible for the Gold King Mine spill. The Gold King Mine: is a maze of tunnels. faults and fissures located at different elevations inside Bonita Peak and the surrounding mountains in Gladstone. The mine opening that drained when the EPA crews struck a plug holding back water was actually what's known as the "Lpper Gold King Mine." or Gold King Mine Level 7. A: short distance away lies the "Gold King Mine," which refers to a mine adit called American Tunnel. American Tunnel served as a primary haulage point for the Sunnyside Mine. which was operated by the Sunnyside Gold Corp. for about a decade and a half until 1991, according to a 20151 report from the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. It also drained wateri inside the mountain to: allow for mining operations at lower elevations. ttps,/www.durangoherald.comlarticles/DuIkh a C as- - u sed-the-gold-king g-mine-spll-coul-teyaso.be-part-dr-ine-solution, 2/11 3/30/22, 10:17. AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? The Durango Herald October 1996 and would go on to install two other bulkheads in American Tunnel. With the installation oft the bulkheads, the flow of toxic mine waste into Cement Creek decreased from 1,700 gallons per minute to about 100 gallons per minute. 66 DAE 50 Kerry Guy, on-scene coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, inside the Red and Bonita Mine in July 2020. The EPA and the U.S. Bureau of Reciamation have said bulkheads in the American Tunnel mine contributed to the Gold King Mine spill on Aug. 5, 2015. An assassment oy the Bureau of Reclamation conciuded that the bulkheads in American Tunnel filled Goid King Mine Level 7 with toxic wastewater that EPA's crews then released. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) K But as the impounded water rose behind the bulkheads, the water rose elsewhere, including in Gold King Mine Level 7, which sits about 750 feet above. American Tunnel, according to the Bureau of Reclamation's assessment. "We don't exactly know, but what we believe happened was that the water raised inside the mountain through the installment ofthose hulkheads, causing the water to pool up inside Gold King Mine Level 7. which was then released back in 2015, said Christina Progess. the EPAs remedial project manager for the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site. According to the Bureau of Reclamation's assessment. which was peer reviewed by the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA assumed that Gold King Mine Level 7 was not full of water because ofl previous excavations andi planned for 5 to 6 feet of water. The EPA had previously used. a drilling rig to hore into the Red and Bonita Mine in 2011 to check on water levels. but for whatever reasons chose not to do so for Gold King. It turned out that EPAs assumption was wrong. and when erews excavated the entrance to Gold King Mine Level 7 they released a rush oftoxic mine water, htps/Nww.durangoherad.comartdestulkheadxcausedmegaléhngminesglikutheyalsobepertokhe-solution) 3/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? - The Durango Herald ofthis buildup from the bulkheads in American Tunnel. "By the time that system was installed,you can imagine it starts to raise the groundwateri inside the mountain and that starts to fill up other workings," " Progess said. "We believe that there's a hydraulic conncctivity between the. American Tunnel (and) Gold King Mine Level 7and part of our evaluation of the Bonita Peak groundwater system is, going to be understanding these hydraulic comnectivities a little bit better." Kerry Guy. Environmental Protection Agency on-scene coordinator, speaks about the Red and Bonita Mine north oi Silverton atits entrance on July 29. 20.20. The Red and Bonita Mine is a short distance irorn American Funnel and Gold King Mine Levei 7. where EPA crews released more than 3 million gallons of ater laden with heavy metais like lead. arsenic and cadmium. While the EPA and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation have faulted bulkheads for illing Goid King Mine Leval 7 wwith water, bulkheads are a: key component of mine remediation. They impound toxic wastewater and limit the chemica! reaction that creates acid mine drainage. (Jerry MeBride/Durango Harald file) % The bulkhead At its most basic, a bulkhead is a concrete wall that prevents water from escaping a mine opening. They can be anywhere fom 10 to 201 feet long and some possess a valve at the bottom, according to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Churchwell. They are designed to stop acid mine drainage and control the flow of metal-laden water (through the valve) for treatment. They also prevent umplanned releases and can retun groundwater levels to theiz previous levels, Those installed by Sunnyside Gold Corp. werc designed for a 100-year life span, Progess said. "If you have a concrete plug with no valve. your intention is to ty tol hold back all the groundwater in the mountain sO that you don't have to treat it." she said. "Ifyou have. a tlow-through bulkhead, the intention is to meter out the Bow to minimize unplanned releases. but also toi allow you to treat water downstream or maintain that water level within the mountain at a certain height." htps/Mww.durangoheradcomarndesuuMhadkcausectnegegaucAngminespi.couaineyaltobepartohhe-soluton 4/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? The Durango Herald "The higgest issue that bulkheads solve is management of uncontrolled releases from mine workings."C Graves said in an email. *Discharge from mine portals can be controlled, and in many cases significantly reduced by installing bulkheads. Bulkheads can also improve water quality by re-establishing pre-mining fow paths and groundwater levels." Contractors for the Environmental Protection. Agency work on July 29, 2020, to contain the flow of contaminated water into a single pipe that flows out of the Red and Bonita Mine north of Silverton. When mining rock containing sulfur comes in contact with water and air, it sours the chemical reaction that creates acid mine drainage, turning viater crange. Buikheads fill mines with water limiting the air in tunnels and reducing acid mine drainage. (Jeiry McBride/Durango Herald file) & In addition toi impounding or directing the fow of water, remediation ayencies and mining companies use bulkheads to counteract the chemical reaction that creates toxicity in mine drainage. Gold. silver and uther important metals are often extracted from rocks containing sulfides. When these rocks are exposed to both air and water, they leach their sulfides into the water through a process known as oxidative dissolution. This process can tuu'n water orange in the case ofthe Animas River after the Gold King Mine spill. Bulkheads back up water and fill mine tunnels. When they do SO. they limit the air rocks can come into contact with, preventing the chemical reaction that creates acid mine drainage. "Thei idca of a bulkhead is to try to food the workings to change the chemical reaction that's happening within a typical acid mine drainage: scenario. where wereculting ofl the uxygen tu the wurkings with the goal of reducing the acid mine drainage that's generated? said Rob Parker, a Superfund remedial project manager with the EPA for the Bonita Peak Mining District. The chemiçal reaction can still oceur, and water can escape the mountain through other faults and fissures, but the volume is limited sO that the EPA and other operators can treat the water in other ways. While bulkheads serve: an important role in the remecation of hardrock mines. their use dloes cary risks. Managers cannot see behind bulkheads. making it incredibly ditficult to monitor what is going on inside the mine. Pressure trunsducers included in newer walls can give them some idea, but as is the case ofthe Red and Bonita Mine, drilling bore holes hundreds of teet into the mountainside is otten the only way to get a detinitive sense tor water levels. Acic mine drainage can also still make its way into river systems. Water naturally moves through rock and can turn into acid mine drainage when exposed to oxygen, though in smaller volumes. htps/NwmwadurangoheradcomartidesbuRheadscausedihegldhngminesplkcudineyasobepartohhe-solution 5/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? - The Durango Herald seeing seeps that used tol be clean that are now dirty because that water is now being oxygenated as it hits the seeps and springs?" Some of the aquipment that monitors the bulkhead inside of the Red and Bonita Mine in July 2020. Modern bulkheads have pressure transducers that allow remediation managers to geta sensa for wwhat is going on on the other side of the wail. Otherwise, they have no way to sea in the mine and understand wwhatis happening. Because of the unintended consequencas buikheads can have. the Environmental Protection Agency is carefully studying the hydrology of the Bonita Peak Mining District befcre it considers placing any additional buikheads. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) % This movement of water is perhaps the, greatest concern for remediation managers. Mines are complex networks oft tunnels. but there also fissures and faults that a bulkhead can exploit to send pollution to other arcas, In the case oft the Gold King Mine spill. the EPA had no idea that a bulkhead about 750 feet below Gold King Mine Level 7 was causing the adit to fll up in its entirety. "We're not talking about just connectivity between actual mine workings where people have drilled holes and where they'vea actually connected." Parker said. There's natural fractures and faults in Bonita Peak Mining Districti that have veally high hydraulic conductivity where it's a little bit of a water superhighway between arcas." SPONSORED CONTENT This 7-Day Savings Challenge Is Going Viral By Making People Richer D BY1 THE PENNY HOARDE? Can you stick wth this challenge for sevan days?lt's easier than you think. A boost for water quality The Bonita Peak Mining District has 18 mines, but almost half of: all the toxic metals that end up in the Animas River and its tributaries come from just four mines located along Cement Creek. Churchwell said. https/www.durangoherald.com nlarticles/bulkheads-caused-the-gold-king-mine-spl-coud-they-also-be-part-of-the-solution) 6/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? The Durango Herald supported the agency. "The CAG believes EPA's initial main focus should be on the four big sources of metals in the Gladstone. area - the mine drainages of the Gold Kiny, Red & Bonita. American Tunnel, and Mogul," wrote Peter Butler. chairman of the Bonita Peak CAG, in a letter to Progess and the EPA in 2019. "To address these sources, we: support the presumptive remedy for Upper Cement Creek : re-establishing the groundwater table by installing bulkheads at various portals." Churchwell said evidence from other mines in the district has strengthened the Bonita Peak CAG's view that bulkheads should be used to address mine pollution ini the area. Koehler Tunnel sits over a ridge of mountains to the west of American Tunnel, In 2003, the Gold King Mines Corp., a mine operatori in the area, installed a bulkhead in the tunnel. Over the last about two decades, Churchwell and others have noticed a: significant improvement in water quality to the; point that trout, an indicator species tur clcan water,l have returned to a stretch of Mineral Creek downstream from Kochler Tunnel where they have been absent for decades. Wicrkers inside the Gold King Mine Level 7 tunnel wrork to: stabiliza the rock Juiy 27. 2015, at the mine north of Silverton. The Environmental Protection Agency has placedi a "ilow contro! structure" which is lika a temparary buikhead that C72W5 can get behind.i in the tunneltv will be severalyaars beiore the agency decides ifi it should place any bulkheads in the mihe. According to Ty Churchiwel, mining coordicator for Trout Unlimited, a fish consarvation group. buikihneads have improved waier qualityi in the Bonita Peak Mining District, allowing trout to return to stretches of water for tha first ime in decades. (Jerry MeBide/Durango Fierald filei & "The water quality improvements on Mineral Creek have been dramatic and it is largely because oft that really successtul bulkheading project," Churchwell said. The henefits othulkheadmy are perhaps most vivid in the case of Mineral Creek and the Koehler Tunnel, but bulkheads throughout Bonita Peak Mining District have limited the reicase of tosie wastewater and allowed trout to return. ntps.Mw.dlurangcherad.comlanidesbuMk kheads-caused-ne-golegudkingminesplico-neyalsobepartohhne-solution' 7/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? The Durango Herald A1l lengthy process The EPA and mine remediation groups have a few other techniques at their disposal besides bulkheads. "Passive treatment" involves the creation of wetlands or other natural systems that can filter out metals without equipment. Passive treatment solutions can be left alone and do not require routine maintenance. With "active treatment." water is pumped from mines to a treatment plant where it can be filtered before returning to rivers. While active treatment is the most effective way to remove heavy metals and clean water, it is also the most costly. Bulkheads serve as an in-between. Bulkheads can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but by metering the flow of water. they allow mine remediation managers to use limited active treatment or wetlands and passive trcatments that require few, ifany, long-term costs, "Ideally. ifyou can limit the amount ofy water through oulkheading and have a much smaller volume of discharge to then potentially treat. then you hold down maintenance costs substantially." Churchwell said. Citimately, any maintenance costs at a Superfund site like the Bonita Peak Mining District are paid by the. American taxpayer, he said. Kerry Guy, Envirommentai Protection Agency on-scene cocrdinator, stands in the Goid Kieg Mine tungel Juiy 27, 2015. The Bonita Peak Mining District Community Advisory Group. which provides communisy mnput to the EPA, has axpressed ItS support for the agancy's consideration of additional bulkheads in the district. Howeven any decision to install additional buikheads will likely take years, According to Ty Churchweli, mining coordinator for Trout Unlimited, a bulkhead couidl have prevented the Gold King Mine spiit. " there vere a bulkhead in the Gold King Mine, guess what? I Nould no: have blown out." he said. (Jerry Me3ride/Durango Harald file). 5 The EPA has only installed one bulkhead in the Bonita Peak Mining District so far:. Of the more than a dozen bulkheads in the district, many were installed by Sunnyside Gold Corp. ini the 1990s and early 2000s. htps/www.dturangoherald.comlaridest ukreadscaused.tnegolcwngminespi: could- epaobepadmeuan 8/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? - The Durango Herald Any decision to install additional bulkheads will likely take years. Learning from the Gold King Mine spill, the EPA is studying the: mines around Gladstone like American Tunnel to inderstand the hydrology oft the mines, including how Gold King Mine Level 7 filled with water and how additional bulkheads would affect that hydrology. "At this point, you know, we really have a lot ofi investigative work that we want to, get through," Progess said. " It's going to be several years before I think we can really make any affirmative decisions about what to do with any oft these mines, especially the major draining mines that we have (in) Upper Cement Creek." Whether bulkheads can be a part ofthe solution for Bonita Peak Mining District and Gold King Mine Level 7 will depend on this yearslong investigation. But if Churchwell and the Bonita Peak CAG have any say. bulkheads will remain in the EPA's toolbox. "Ifthere were: a bulkhead in the Gold King Mine, guess what? Ity would: not have blown out," he said. hamonerdumgeleral.con Two women face charges of animal Durango School District 9-R holds first Photos: Storm brings snow, rain to crueltyin] Dolores County horse case regular in-person board meeting since region Mar 29. 2022 September Mar 29. 2022 Mar 29. 2022 htpsiNw.durangoheraldcomericesbusheadscauseoinegegudaigminesplkucinepalsobepeartoHlhe-solution) 9/11 3/30/22, 10:17 AM Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution? The Durango Herald RECENT LOCAL NEWS Bulkhends caused the Gold King Miue spill. Could they also be part ofthe solution' a u - https:/www.durangoherald.comlarticeslbulkheads-caused-the-gold-king-mine-spil-could-theyalso-be-part-ol-the-solution/ 10/11 4/4/22; 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt The Durango Herald Regional News You have viewed 1 of 3 of your monthly page views for April. Subscribenow. Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt? Everyone agrees the state's open spaces are growing alarmingly erowded on popular days By Michael Booin, Tivz Celoredo Sun Monday- Mar 23,2022 5:22 Uodated Tuesdage Mar 29, 2022 12.59 S Mountain bikers fide along the South Shore trail at Lake Puebio Statel Park on Merch 5. (Mike Swaaney/Speciall to The Coloiado Sun) & lfanybody could work the system and get access to wildly popular open space this summes:. you'dt think Colorado Parks and Wildlite Commissioner Taishya Adams would have a good shot. But there she isi just tike everyone else, pênciling early March on her plamer as the dayi she can fist swing sharp elbows online to get summer yroup hack kpacking reservations al Rocky Mountain National Park. not far from her home in Boulden: "Tve had it marked in my calendar for six months," Adams told her telliow commissioners last week. She endorsed a new timed entry proposal for Eldorario Canyon State Park. where overtlowing parking lots on weekends hack up onto lawus in the little town of Eldorado Springs. tps/www.durangorangcherad.comlarices/cooradocparxs-are-ul-and-g 46 e ( (1 ir TUI lI € et r -now li-the -S SI te-decid e wiogeb-nano-wmogethutum.amo. 1/9 4/4/22, 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt - The Durango Herald "I would hate to see that become al barrier." Adams said. Everyone agrees Colorado's open spaces are. growing alarmingly crowded on popular days. The numbers are startling. Visitation at close-in Front Range state parks has doubled or nearly tripled. Sprawling Lake Pueblo had to turn away cars for the first time in 2020, the, year it passed 3 million visitors. Jefferson County Open Space does not have gated entry for counting, but believes visitation to its 28 foothills gems passed 71 million last year. Staunton State Park near Conifer rocketed from 89,000 in 2015 to 277,000 in 2020. Barr Lake in Brighton, a hit with birders and flatland bikers, went from 119,000 in 2015 to 258.000 in 2020. before settling back a bit with indoor pandemic restrictions easing in 2021. Open space officials expect use to keep climbing rapidly. if not quite as steeply as in the first year of the pandemic. A Center for Western Priorities study of reservable camping spaces at federal and local public lands showed more than 95% of sites were taken at peak periods, with an overall 39% increase in summer camping at public spaces. And the state parks commission may have just opened the gates on a new flood - the annual Keep Colorado Wild state parks pass will be only $29 in 2023, tacked on to annual car registration with an option to decline it, less than half the current $80 fee for one car. Open space managers across the West are scrambling to accommodate the growth without provoking a public backlash against new rules. Mandatory shuttles from remote lots, parking fee: add-ons, timed entry. seasonal trail closures for wildlife protection, and extra fees for nonresidents are all under consideration in every parks-related office. "You do have to be ready to say OK, first come. first served doesn't work ifyou have an entrance line that's a half mile long every day," said Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the nonprofit Center for Western Priorities. which advocates for expanded public lands and more parks funding. "We have to find a better solution." The answer can't just be forcing everyone to online reservation systems o1 discouragingly high fees. Weiss and others say. The fix has to include more open land. they argue, including the Biden administration's executive order seeking to protect 30% ofU.S. land and water by 2030. Increased use uf slale and federal lands is a guod thing, and the sululiun isu'l Lo curlail access, but ralherincrease il by conserving more land and removing barriers to entry from those who feel excluded or unable to access the outdoors," said Jackie Ostfeld, director of Sierra Club's Outdoors for All campaign. ttps,/www.durangonerald.comaricles/colorado-patks-are-tul-and-getting-tur-now-wir-ne-state-decio a e- logets-nancwnogetshut7um.camp. 2/9 4/4/22, 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt - The Durango Herald The Arkansas Point campground at Lake Pueblo State Park en March 5. (Mika Sweaney/Spacialto Tha Colorado Sun) Mike Sweeney/Spacial to The Colorado! Sun & t A mountain biker heads down the Water Tower trail et Laka Pueblo State Park. (Mike Sweenay/Special lo The Colcracio Hikers explore the bluris elong the Arkansas Point trail al Sun) Lake Pueblo State Park. (Mike Sweeney/Special to The Colorado Sun) % & "The threat of overuse poses in these small spots. and it is a leyitimate threat. is minuscule compared to the threat posed by development. Weiss said. Anecdotal evidence and polling data show the online ticket joc keying and the turmed-away cars. from Pueblo to Roxborough, are altering the way Coloradans use or try to use the yreat outdoors. Ahout 5852 ofColoradans said rowding in the last two to three, years has changed where and how they recreate, according to this year's annual State ofthe Rockies Project poll of Western states by Colorado College and New Bridge Strateg. The averaye: across all eight Western states polled was 48 changing their time and location ofr outdoor recreation. LarimerCounty hiker Suzy Paquette said she understands the need for control experiments like timed entrye but added that the online regimen started at Rocky Mountain National Park last year did change how she and her husband get outdoors. Even on weekdays in the summer, the national park passes are gone like lickety split," she said. "So that's one of the problems.you can't just say "Oh. let's go to the park today." https/www.durangoheraldcomlartidesstcoloradoparksare-ul-andgeting.uler-how-wil-n: e-siate-decide-whogetsinandwiogets-urt?um.camp. 3/9 4/4/22, 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt The Durango Herald his own "solace" in the crowded parking lots and packed trails, but worrics more about the birds. "These days, most ofr my walks on the trails where we. live are at dusk ori in the evening," Bove said. He can choose to walk later, but he said, "wildlife is not sO fortunate, as they have already moved away or been displaced from the ever increasing human traffic." Pueblo is proud that people come from all over to boat on Lake Pueblo, swim at Rock Canyon, or mountain bike on dozens of miles of trails, said Jamie Valdez, who has led mountain bike classes at the state park. Pueblo gets less snow, and the warm winter sunshine attracts recreation from multiple states, he said. Valdez has his eye now on the city's Pueblo Mountain Park, with its own hiking trailsi in the foothills southwest of town sitting as a hidden gem. "It's a beautiful, beautiful park, and it seems to be almost forgotten," he said. The nonprofit Boulder Climbing Community weighed: in early on the proposed changes to how Eldorado Canyon is managed, knowing many of its members go dozens oft times a year and count on driving, rolling or striding inj just a few minutes after class or work. To their credit. Boulder County and the state have consulted closely with climbers on improving the shuttle to the park and making sure timed car passes aren't hoarded ors sold, said Boulder Climbing Community Executive Director Kate Beezley. The shuttles have spaces for climbers crash pads and other gear. F & Robert Fix of Westminster and Mike Wright of Boulder Robert Fix of Westminster and Mike Wright of Boulder prapare to go climbing at Eldorado Canyon State Park in prepare to go climbing on March 4, 2022, at Eldorado Eldorado Springs on March 4. (Olivia Sun/The Colorado Sun Canyon State Park in Eldorado Springs. (Olivia Sun/The vial Report for America) Colorado Sun via Report for America) % X More controlled-entry rules for open space are inevitable. Beezley said, s0 parks managers need to make sure they consider all the user groups and keep things fair. "Whoi is the primary user group? Who are, your frequent flyers? And how can you help them maintain those patterns oft their health and well-being?" she said. Parks managers flinch when they think of the potential overuse coming to stunningly picturesque, newly minted state parks like Sweetwater Lake in Garfield County. and Fishers Peak near Trinicad. Weiss, with the Center for Western Priorities, uses the word "harden" to describe how open space planners must anticipate the places a frenzied public will park, hike. build fires or camp, and create protections for those natural areas. Marketing experts also must join in tol help spread people out by showcasing alternatives to the closest, most Instagrammed locations, experts say. Otherwise. Weiss said, the great outdoors becomes "this massive Disneyland problem that you end up with at Zion National Park, or at Chautauqua for that matter. There's a lot to be said for making sure folks are aware, hey. there are equally. great if not better experiences, because it's less crowded." htps/ww.durangoheral.comlartideslcolbvadoparksare-uilandgetingtuler-how-wl-nesialesiatedecdewho.getslnandwhogets-hurlum._camp. 4/9 4/4/22, 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt The Durango Herald This 7-Day Savings Challenge Is Going Viral By Making People Richer D BY1 THE PENNY HOARDER Can you stick with this challenge for seven days? It's easier than you think.... Rock climbers take on the popular Bastille formation near the entrance to Eldorado Canyon State Park. (Michael Booth/The Colorado Sun! Traiis at Eldorado Canyon State Park are heavily used. (Olivia Sun/The Colorado Sun via Report for America) & X So what else can be done? Scott Roush, who oversees some oft the busiest Colorado state parks close to the Denver metro area, said park user's should expect more experiments with timed entry like the one moving forward for Eldorado Canyon this summer. Highline Lake State Park is a place managers worry about, he said. Parking lots fill fast on weekends at the rare body of water in the high desert near Grand Junction. Without more parking controls, people leave their cars wherever they feel like it, just as at Eldorado Canyon, Roush said. Jeffco Open Space is adding new parking spaces at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park outside Evergreen, community connections director Matt Robbins said. That may head off" "volunteer" parking. Jefferson County also puts stock in educating park users on simple, highly effective tips like staying on the trail even in mud season. Hikers sidestepping mud create "braiding" that turns single tracki into 4-foot- wide hroughways. Robbins said. Charging for parking 01 timed ticketing are tougher, Robbins said, because Jeffco does not have controlled entry at its 28 parks in the way national or state parks do. The county did try an experiment last year partnering with Lyft for $2.50 off rides to and from open space parks. It was a bust. Robbins said. htps/wwwdurangoheraidcomartdesolvadopansar-AwlandgetingpHuler-howwlhresuledecewnogats-nanownoget-hurtum.camp. 5/9 4/4/22, 9:42. AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt The Durango Herald Quandary, beckons from the south. CMA CGM The South Shore Marina at Lake Puebio State Park: (Mika Sweanay/Special tc The Colorado Sunj & County officials worked with the U.S. Forest Service toi implement a reservation system for county-owned lots at Quandary's base. and a shuttle system for remote parking areas. "In these high-usage areas, Ithink that's going to be the future, whether it S on state lands or federal lands," : Gibbs said. Roush said some state parks planners are interested in bying technology aids like Lot Spot, a smartphone app that Jeffco uses to provide real time updates on park crowding and can recommend: a nearby alternative. State parks are much more spread out. thouyh. than county open space. and alternate choices may not be practical. The public appears to be adapting to shuttle use as a way to control car overcrowding. and park planners have noticed. Eldorado's shuttle system will run again in 2022. Shuttles to Rocky Mountain National Park's Bear Lake: are now an essential part of park operations. Buses now operate to control entry to Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake. Expect more. Rock ciimbars are dravn to the spires at Eldorado Canyon From leit: Odessa, Ben and Amanda Smith oi Bouider pack Siale Pack aimost daiiy (Olivia SunThe Colorado Sun a up their climbing gear at Eldorado Canyen State Paik. (Olivia Report for Amarica) Sunithe Coloado Sun via Report for Amarica) htps/www.durangoheraldcomlanidescoloidoparsare-luilandgeting.luler-how-wl-nesalestale-decde-whogets-nan.wlogetshurt?um_camp.. 6/9 4/4/22, 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt The Durango Herald DU we nave an acuuar numper -01- peupie provien, or (U we nave numver-ortaurs prouieu; DEL ause Lhere are uiiere enL SUIULIL 0IIS Liere. Weiss said. "And shuttles are of course part of that." Another part could be other public transportation, added Weiss, who lives in Jefferson County. "Here. there are no RTD routes that get you to open spaces. That's a problem." Open space managers at all levels of government are doing a better. job consulting with each other and with private businesses expert in usaye information and technoloyy aids, said Tate Watkins. a research fellow at Montana's free market oriented Property and Environment Research Center. Reservation systems at Arches and Rocky Mountain national parks are closely watched by state and county parks managers, Watkins said. Technology companies can offer ideas about counting parking space use, "frequent flyer" perks and integrating real-time crowding information on apps that can spread out park visitors. Backcountry users ofGreat Smoky Mountains National Park which saw 14.1 million visitors in 2021 - initially balked years ago at implementing a $4 reservation fee for remote camping spots, Watkins noted. Now they think it's a bargain. and are relieved to know there's: a spot open for them at the end oft their day. "There's just an infinite amount of creativity and opportunity for experiment." he said. "We must be very careful to ensure that the actions of public land managers don't perpetuate the status quo. with many communities already feeling unwelcome 01 unsafe in some of our national and more remote parks and publie lands." Ostfeld said. Being mindful ofe everyone's time and resources is key to designing open space access, Weiss said. "One thing we've learned from all ofthis is that any sort of time systen where a clock turns over and everyone is mashing a button to try to get in. that is not fair and equitable." he said. Some space: needs to be reserved for lottery or last-minute access for those whose lives can't revolve around one reservation window, Colorado leaders say they are aware of all these pitfalls, and will keep working to avoid them. The new $29 state parks pass linked to motor vehicle registration will bring in money to add new parks. experiment with reservations. expand shuttle systems and more. DNR's Gibbs said. He said he still prefers tol look at access as a, good problem tol have. "In thel long run." Gibbs said, "we want people to get outdoors. L mean, this is Colorado." The Coltastr IST r mwegpwrinl, nonprtis nGs ymmizntion dedinhedron ctens Colorals 141218. T len mnguto cuhesdosan.om. Calendar 13 14 (5 10 70 21 22 23 Weckly planner for April 4-8 Rainbow Gathering planned in Fire and rain: West to get more one-two Colorado sparks fire concerns extreme climate hits Apr a 2022 Apr : 2024 Apr I. 2022 htps/wdurangoher.adcomentdeseuleyadopansare-wlancgetig.MlerowlnestedeoSeMnoget-narowPogebs-hurtum.camp. 7/9 4/4/22, 9:42 AM Colorado parks are full and getting fuller. How will the state decide who gets in, and who gets hurt The Durango Herald RECENT LOCAL NEWS Duingo man meommss avnbne he harrwinae Ppstes uni mi To PP s MPY tps/www.durangonerald.comaricteslcolorado.panks-are-lul-and- g gett g-runer - V VI e-stal U e C decide-w MI ogetsinandwhogets-utPum.camp. 8/9 4/5/22, 9:31 AM Forest Service prepares to welcome e-bikes The Durango Herald News LcaiNvs Nation & World New Mexico Education You have viewed 1of 3 of your monthly page views for April. Subscribe now. Forest Service prepares to welcome e-bikes Following national guidance, San Juan National Forest can allow the bikes for first time 3y Aedan Hannon Herald Staif Writer Sunday, Apr 3, 2022 10:00 a A Mike Philiips wwith Mountain Bike Specialists shows an eiectric-mountain bike sold at the store in Durango in November 2021, The U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday that the agensy would allow for the use of e-bikes on iorest: trails, though each national lorest has discretion over where e-bikes will be allowed. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) Jerry McBride K The U.S. Forest Service has finalized guidance that will allow national forests to consider expanding the use of e-bikes. San Juan National Forest has been working on its e-bike policy for two years and with the new. guidance will move forward with plans toa authorize the use of e-bikes 011 forest lands for the first time. However:. e-bikes remain prohibited on trails for the time being. tpQurangoneade cles/toresl-serv 1C C6 e-prepares-O-we a ome-e -bikes/?utm_cam pais 9 mcahyadinesaum.meamremstum.oure. 1/5 4/5/22, 9:31 AM Forest Service prepares to welcome e-bikes The Durango Herald account wildlife, the use, all the factors that we typically take into account to make sure that it works for the rest of the public." The Forest Service updated two chapters of its code to: reflect its guidance on e-bikes. Forest managers must now consider how emerging technologies such as e-bikes are changing recreation and access when managing trails and Forest Service lands. According to the new regulations, the agency defines e-bikes as motor vehicles. breaking them down into three classes. "Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that works only when the rider is pedaling and the motor stops when the: rider reaches 20 mph. "Class 2" e-bikes have a motor that 'uns without pedaling, but the motor stops when the rider reaches 20 mph. "Class 3" e-bikes have a motor that works only when the rider is pedaling, but the motor stops when thei rider: reaches 28 mph. The Forest Service will designate trails and: roads for e-bikes using these three classes. The new policy also outlines criteria Forest Service staff members must review when opening trails to e-bikes. Managers must minimize damage to soil and vegetation, significant disruption ofv wildlife habitats and conflicts between e-bikes and other recreational users. They should also consider a trail's current use for biking and account for differences in speed with e-bikes. E-bikes are not allowed on a National Science Trail unless they receive an exemption. according tot the new rules. The Forest Service currently allows e-bikes on all roads open to motor vehicles. but San Juan National Forest does not allow e-bikes on forest trails. With the updated national guidance in place, San Juan National Forest plans to begin opening select areas of the forest to e-bikes. SPONSORED CONTENT This 7-Day Savings Challenge Is Going Viral By Making. People Richer n BYT THE PENNY HOARDER u Can you stick with this challenge for seven days? It's easier than you think. The process will take time as the Forest Service conducts environmental assessments required by the National Environmental Policy Act and develops a travel management plan. "Wej just have to make sure that we do it correctly (so) we don't impact trails, wildlife or degradation oft the natural resources, : Owen said. "We' re working on updating (San Juan National Forest's e-bike policy) as soon as we can and some of(the trails) will require more analysis just like other projects that we do on the forest." San Juan National Forest is weighing the use ofe e-bikes project by project. The agency is working on: a proposal to expand mountain biking trails on Jackson Mountain near Pagosa Springs and e-bikes will be a part ofthat project, he said. But the goal is to move to: a broader policy in which e-bikes are allowed on certain trails across the forest. "We want to do it forest-wide s0 were not doing it each individual piecemeal project," Owen said. As San Juan National Forest expands access for e-bikes, the agency will update its motor vehicle use map to reflect the areas that e- bikes can goa and the trails they can use. San Juan National Forest has yet to say when e-bikes will be allowed, but Owens said the Forest Service is working to finalize a timeline for their use. Until the agency develops a plan for e-bikes, they will remain prohibited. While the forest is still steps away from allowing e-bikes, Owens said San Juan National Forest looked forward to expanding recreational access. "Were exeited to welcome our e-bike users out to the national forest." he said. ahannonta durangoherald.com nttps:/www.durangoherald.comlarticles/forest-service-pre; pares-to welcomee-bikesum.campaynrdayesaimedumumadumeemaiSum.sourc. 2/5 3/29/22, 9:52 AM San Juan County Mail - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! CCI Summer Conference Gmail Willy Tookey samnehmpancdendour REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! CCI Summer Conference 1 message Annie Olson aolson@cdonline.arg Tue, Mar 29, 2022 at 9:21 AM To: Annie Olson <aolson@cionline.org Cc: Kristin Dunn skdumn@eciontine.orge Good morning! Registration is now open for the CCI Foundation Summer Conference to be held May 31-June 2 in Eagle County. To register, view hotel reservation information and learn more, please click here. A SUMMER CONFERENCE CCI 8 - le o Register Hotel Information Grand Hyatt Vail, 1300 Westhaven Dr, Vail, CO 81657 Conference Rate: $169 a night. Click here to reserve your hotel room. Reserve by May 1, 2022 to secure the special rate. Please reach out to me with any questions. The CCI staff looks forward to seeing you in Eagle County! Annie htps.Imail.google.commaluo7k-laseaeh2lesvew-piasearch-allépemhhd-lhead-Pa3A17288481198012282146simpl-msg.A3A172864811960. 1/2 3/29/22, 9:52 AM San Juan County Mail REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! CCI Summer Conference Annie Olson Education & Outreach Manager Colorado Counties, Inc. 800 Grant Street, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80203 303.861.4076 (o) www.ccionline.org EBRATI , V CCI 115geats htps.lImail.google.com'maluo7k-laseaeb2leàview-plasearch-allépemhd-thvead-P.3A1728648119801228214isimpl-msg-3A3A172864811960. 2/2