Eldorado Canyon State Park recently released its draft management plan, which highlights “the unique character of the park as a rock climbing destination.” The plan will guide how the park manages its resources and the visitor experience for the foreseeable future. It is important for climbers to ask questions and comment to refine the plan; the draft is available to the public and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is accepting comments until May 25th.
One of BCC’s core values is working with land managers to help steward and maintain climbing resources in the Front Range. This is a critical opportunity for climbers to work with public land managers to help shape how one of the country’s best-known traditional climbing areas will look for years to come.
The BCC, Action Committee for Eldorado, Flatirons Climbing Council, and Access Fund jointly wrote a letter to the CPW commissioners voicing our concerns. If you would like to view our letter you can do so here.
We want to highlight a few points climbers should focus their thoughts and comments on:
The Park is planning to pilot a reservation system. While we recognize that the park must look for solutions to overcrowding, we think the proposed system is too broad and should be refined to better accommodate the climbing community. We encourage climbers to consider (and comment on) how a reservation system could best be structured so that it accommodates both (1) climbers who need to plan well in advance (and want the certainty that they will be able to access the Park on their chosen day[s]) and also (2) climbers who need some flexibility for spur-of-the-moment outings. We also encourage climbers to consider how human-powered means of transportation could be used to address parking issues. The pilot program will be implemented as soon as possible.
The Park is considering capacity limits for climbers at certain high traffic areas to keep visitor use sustainable. We encourage folks to consider and comment that, for the most part, climbers will self-regulate and that added pressure from park staff could lead to user tension and safety concerns.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is using different comment forms for certain chapters. Be sure to fill out all forms for the complete plan.
To provide general comments on the plan, complete this form.
For chapter 6 on management strategies (this is where the reservation system is discussed), complete this form.
For chapters 2-4 on park setting, resources, and visitation, complete this form.
For chapter 5 on management zones, complete this form.
If you decide to submit a public comment, be sure to thank the park staff who have done a great job stewarding this amazing climbing area over the years, and continue to look for ways to make outdoor recreation sustainable in the canyon.
If you have questions or comments about our stance please send them to advocacy@boulderclimbers.org.
Climbers can continue to lead on all things stewardship, by carpooling and biking when possible. New routes and fixed anchor management will continue to be managed through ACE and the Park, with support from the BCC.