Thursday, January 28, 2021

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approves motion to create adaptive management plan to reintroduce wolves

At its virtual meeting on January 14, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission provided CPW staff with direction to begin creating a robust, adaptive management plan to reintroduce wolves in Colorado with a 10-1 majority vote.

“We have direction from the voters of Colorado to develop a reintroduction and management plan for gray wolves as transparently and as expeditiously as possible,” said CPW Director Dan Prenzlow. “This authorizes us to move forward in a phased approach that will allow us to be both efficient and flexible as we enact the plan. We will introduce wolves in Colorado no later than Dec. 31, 2023.”

CPW Assistant Director for Aquatics, Terrestrial and Natural Resources Reid DeWalt presented a series of action items for the plan in his presentation to the Commission.

“Our first steps will be to begin a thorough stakeholder engagement process across Colorado to ensure robust participation and input while working to accomplish the needed steps for a successful reintroduction process,” DeWalt said. “The main objectives of our proposed outreach strategy are: gathering and sharing information to build public awareness and promote engagement across the state, designing and implementing an inclusive and transparent process to meet the requirements outlined in Proposition 114, collaborating with technical experts and diverse stakeholders to share knowledge and draft management and conservation strategies, and fostering commitment and collaboration toward plan implementation.”

In addition to public meetings across the state to collect input from the public on their questions and concerns regarding wolf reintroduction, both a Technical Working Group and a Stakeholder Working Group will be created to serve as advisory bodies to the Commission.

Before the majority vote to move forward with the proposed process to develop a wolf restoration and management plan, many Commissioners noted that they would like their vote to reflect the desire to enact the will of the voters on a flexible timeline if possible and where appropriate, while still performing the due diligence required of a robust stakeholder engagement process.

Next Steps: Conduct Education & Listening Tour

From February through May 2021, CPW will hold virtual meetings to share information with the public and stakeholders and to provide opportunities for public input on wolf conservation/management in Colorado.

For more information, please visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CON-Wolf-Management.aspx




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Saturday, January 23, 2021

New River Gorge is Now a National Park and Preserve

Congress has redesignated New River Gorge National River as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This new name highlights the park’s spectacular features and other national park qualities as well as its traditional recreational opportunities. The new law also allows for the expansion of this natural and recreational treasure.

“I am thrilled that this designation will raise awareness of the great natural resources in my home state and the many opportunities available for outdoor recreation and exploration,” said Margaret Everson, Counselor to the Secretary, exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service Director. “My love of conservation and the outdoors stems from lifelong experiences hiking, fishing, hunting and camping in West Virginia. Today’s announcement will inspire more people to discover New River Gorge and enjoy the benefits of time spent in nature.”

Legislation to redesignate this unit of the National Park System was spearheaded by U.S. Senator Joseph Manchin (D-WV), U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and U.S. Representative Carol Miller (R-WV) and included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal 2021, enacted in December. The name change was supported by the State of West Virginia Governor's office, county and municipal governments, the tourism industry and local communities.

“The New River Gorge is one of West Virginia's most cherished playgrounds. The whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, outdoor sports and natural beauty make it one of our most robust tourist attractions. This new designation will highlight West Virginia’s unparalleled beauty and resources thereby increasing the international recognition. Over the last two years we have met with outdoorsmen, businesses and local leaders and other interested groups to ensure this designation will promote the beauty and rich history of the New River Gorge, while ensuring that the longstanding traditions of hunting and fishing are protected for generations to come,” said Senator Manchin.

“The New River Gorge is such an important part of West Virginia and a real source of pride in our state. I am thrilled my legislation redesignating the National River as a National Park and Preserve was included in the legislative package that became law at the end of last year. Redesignation of the National River to a National Park and Preserve will shine a brighter light on West Virginia and all that it has to offer, and provide another catalyst for our tourism industry and local businesses. I’m grateful to all of the West Virginians—sportsmen, business owners, and constituents—for their feedback and involvement during this entire process. Throughout all of these discussions, it has become clear that this redesignation would bring enormous benefits to the region and those who call it home. As West Virginians, we all know that the New River Gorge is perhaps the best-known landmark in West Virginia because of its breathtaking natural beauty and elements of unique Appalachian history and culture. This designation will allow more people to share in the wild and wonderful adventure West Virginians take so much pride in, and I know it will be treasured and enjoyed for generations to come,” said Senator Capito.

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The national park and preserve includes more than 70,000 acres of land along the river which showcase the cultural and natural history of the area.

The new law also expands the abundance of available recreational opportunities. Approximately 90 percent of the land is in the national preserve which permits hunting, a traditional use of the area, including 368 acres in the formerly off-limits Grandview area. The law also allows for the possibility of purchasing an additional 3,700 acres of land to add to the preserve in the future.

The 53-mile stretch of the New River between Bluestone and Hawk's Nest Dams became a unit of the National Park System in November 1978. The park is administered together with the Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River which were both established in 1988. The combined sites span five counties in southern West Virginia: Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, Summers and Mercer attract more than one million visitors annually. In 2019, park visitors spent more than $60 million in nearby communities, which supported 846 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to local economies of $70 million.




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Hiking Two Colorado Fourteeners in One Day

The following is a guest post from Visit Georgetown:

Besides craft beer and backcountry skiing, Colorado is most commonly known for its hiking abundance. What draws people to the state to visit, or to live in permanently, is often the views and experience that the Rocky Mountains offer. Within Colorado boundaries there are fifty-eight 14er’s. In other words, there are 58 peaks that exceed fourteen thousand feet in elevation. Climbing one of them is a bucket list item for Coloradians and visitors alike. Climbing two of them? It’s not unheard of. In fact, with only a 45 minute drive from Denver, an avid climber can summit Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt in one day! All you need to know is a little about each peak, how to get there, and how to prepare for this epic hike.

Mount Evans

The closer of the two fourteeners, Mount Evans is between Evergreen, Colorado and Idaho Springs, Colorado. By taking Highway 103 to Echo Lake and turning onto Highway 5, visitors of Mount Evans can travel the highest paved road in North America right to the summit of Mount Evans. Along the way, chances are high that mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and overwhelming wildflowers can be right in plain view.

Although Mount Evans ranks as the 14th highest fourteener in the state, climbing it on its own is a favorite for fourteener enthusiasts. This is because of the extremely well-marked trail signs that keep hikers on track, preventing them from getting lost. For an easier hike, the trail starting at Summit Lake only takes an altitude adjusted climber about 20 minutes.

For a more challenging hike, the Chicago Lakes trail extends the hike by 10 miles out and back. While more difficult and more time-consuming, the Chicago Lakes trail passes two alpine lakes, massive cliff walls, and expansive meadows. It can be quite comical when you hike the Chicago Lakes trail only to wave at folks who drove to the summit, but the hike is absolutely worth the effort it takes to summit.

Mount Bierstadt

Just barely grazing above the 14,000ft mark, Mount Bierstadt sits at 14,065ft in elevation. Further west from Denver than Mount Evans and up the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway above Georgetown, Colorado, Mount Bierstadt is arguably the easiest fourteener to climb in the state. Not only does the trailhead start at around the 11,600ft mark, but the trail is clearly marked and tracked. The hike starts out with a well maintained wooden foot bridge that takes hikers through marsh, past Deadman’s Lake, and gorgeous alpine scenery.

After the wooden bridge ends and a hiker crosses the small creek, that’s when the hike kicks into a higher gear.

A thick shrubbery coats the trail for quite some time with an increasing incline for a good portion of the hike. Once the trail is cleared of this shrubbery, hikers can now find themselves above the treeline. This is where it’s important that a hiker is well adjusted to the altitude, has plenty of sunscreen, water, and food to sustain their energy.

The rest of the hike is 100% exposed to the Colorado sun with no form of shade in sight, so dressing accordingly will keep the hike pleasurable. A few hundred feet below the summit, the climbing becomes Class 2; hikers must traverse boulders and extreme winds to reach the top. The views from the top are absolutely incredible; Greys and Torreys, another “Two for one” fourteener expedition, sit just off to the side of Bierstadt.

How To Get To the Trailheads

You can start from either fourteener’s trailheads in order to summit them both in one day. To start, let’s assume a Mount Evans start. Coming from Denver, take Interstate 70 to Idaho Springs. At Exit 240, take a left which will put you on Highway 103. Travel highway 103 for several miles until you reach Echo Lake. Pass Echo Lake and take a right onto Highway 5. Highway 5 will end at the trailhead. Parking at Echo Lake instead will get you to the Chicago Lakes trailhead if you want a more strenuous climb.

If you want to start out on Mount Bierstadt, you’ll also take Interstate 70 but instead of turning off at Idaho Springs, you’ll instead turn off at the town of Georgetown. By using the Guanella Pass Road signs to navigate through the small town of Georgetown, you’ll reach Guanella Pass Road. A ten mile drive up this paved highway will take you right to the Guanella Pass Summit. You can’t miss the sign or the two parking lots just off to the side of the highway. Park at either lot and right where the first parking lots restrooms are located is where you will find the trailhead.

How To Climb Both in One Day

No matter which mountain you decide to summit first, the route that connects Mount Bierstadt to Mount Evans and vice versa is the same. This route is referred to as The Sawtooth. Please keep in mind that traversing The Sawtooth requires Class 3 climbing skills. It’s a slow going climb that will demand a lot from its travelers, so pack light but dress appropriately. Weather on this ridge can change dramatically and without a second of a notice, and wind conditions can elevate the potential dangers all the more.

Cairns can be found along the entire route, keeping you on track and providing more focused to the task at hand. So long as you are confident in your climbing capabilities and are properly prepared for the challenge, The Sawtooth is a direct route from one peak to the other and can make for an incredible experience to write home about. As always, respect other climbers and avoid any setbacks that are preventable such as hydrating properly, sustaining energy levels, and postponing the climb to another day if weather conditions are questionable.

Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt are popular climbs amongst the Colorado community, so you can expect them to have slightly higher traffic than climbs at lower elevations. That said, The Sawtooth is not climbed nor recommended for beginners, so you can expect fewer people. You can also expect some of the best views Colorado has to offer and complete the expedition with bragging rights that you climbed two Colorado fourteeners in one day!




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Our Online Trail Guides Are Here to Help With All Your Hiking Plans

With the start of a new year, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your continuing support of our online hiking trail guides for the four national parks we cover:

HikingintheSmokys.com

HikinginGlacier.com

TetonHikingTrails.com

RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

If you plan to visit any of these parks this year, or anytime in the future, be sure to visit our websites to find the most comprehensive information on the best day hiking destinations in each of these parks. Our various trail directories and lists of top hikes will help you easily drill down to find the best hikes suited to your abilities and preferences. You may also want to note that we continue to add new hikes to each ofour sites, thus providing you with more options to help find new adventures.

In addition to our online trail guides, our websites also provide Accommodations and Things To Do listings to help with all your vacation planning. You can help support our websites by clicking and visiting our advertisers' websites, and using the services of these local businesses that have been hit hard by the shutdowns over the past year.

You can also support our websites by shopping from any of our affiliate links, including REI and Amazon.

Again, thank you very much!




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Monday, January 11, 2021

Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park

Fire managers from Rocky Mountain National Park plan to take advantage of any upcoming wet or winter weather conditions to burn piles of slash generated from several fuels reduction projects and hazard tree removals. Slash from these projects has been cut and piled by park fire crews and contractors during the last two years and are now dry enough to burn.

When fighting the East Troublesome Fire in 2020 and the Fern Lake Fire in 2012, firefighters were able to take advantage of previous and existing prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas that provided a buffer between the fire and the town of Estes Park. Prior hazard fuels projects were instrumental in stopping the fire from jumping Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road.

Pile burning operations will only begin when conditions allow. The piles are in a variety of locations including west of East Portal, west of Deer Mountain, along Bear Lake Road between Sprague Lake and the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead and near the Big Thompson Bridge, near Moraine Park Campground, and on the west side of the park along the East Inlet Trail.

The fuels reduction projects are designed to reduce significant accumulations of forest fuels that can generate extreme or problematic fire behavior adjacent to urban interface. By reducing the potential fire behavior the wildland fire risk to firefighters and the public is significantly reduced. However, these projects are not designed as a stand-alone defense against wildfires nor are they guaranteed to hold a wildfire in the worst of conditions. Please do your part and complete wildfire mitigation on your property. To learn more about wildfire mitigation around your home visit www.firewise.org

Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality and other environmental regulations are continually monitored as a part of any fire management operation. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.




Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park