South Park Ranger District on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands is seeking comments on a plan for improving the Kite Lake recreation area near Alma, Colo. in Park County. Increasing visitation has impacted natural resources and infrastructure at the Kite Lake site and along the Buckskin Gulch corridor (Forest Service Road 8). The Kite Lake trailhead is heavily used by hikers for access to several popular fourteeners (mountains that exceeds an elevation of 14,000 feet). The public comment period will run through April 24, 2023.
The proposed action is needed to improve the recreation experience in addition to addressing emergency vehicle access and water quality concerns. It will include road and campground modifications, designated dispersed campsites and parking areas, and installing additional restrooms, gates, and signage. An adaptive management approach will be used to ensure flexibility in responding to unknown conditions and achieving the intended outcomes over time.
The Kite Lake Improvement Plan is the culmination of input received during the scoping period (Dec. 10, 2021 - Jan. 10 2022) and specialists’ analysis and planning efforts. It is available to view, and comments can be submitted via the project website at: www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61211. The most useful comments will address effects that may be caused by the proposed action. Written comments may also be delivered in-person to the South Park Ranger District at 320 Hwy. 285 in Fairplay, Colo.; Or mailed to Alixandra Jensen at PO Box 219, Fairplay, CO 80440; or emailed to Alixandra.jensen@usda.gov.
“These peaks are important features on our landscape in Park County. They are drawing over 25,000 visitors annually and the high visitor use has outgrown our infrastructure at the site. The district is hopeful to receive comments from local park county residents and visitors from the surrounding area to keep the public engaged in this important process and project,” said District Ranger Josh Voorhis.
Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
No comments:
Post a Comment