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September 2020

Change is Coming to Apex Park!

Starting September 10, you must know the calendar date to safely use Apex Park. Affected trails include: Enchanted Forest, Magic Mountain, Poco Calle, Rocker, Paydirt, and Smelter.

Even Calendar Dates (2nd, 4th, etc.): Bikes only, no hikers or equestrians

Odd Calendar Dates (1st, 3rd, etc.): Hike and horse only, no bikes

Following more than two years of public and visitor engagement, intense in-park education efforts, and field observations, Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) has developed this plan to improve trail safety and reduce visitor conflict at Apex Park. This final plan was shaped by many visitor and staff perspectives and demonstrates a true spirit of compromise. The new management plan will be on a 1-year trial basis.

Learn more

Firewood Sale Permits Available!

JCOS is pleased to announce our 2020 Firewood Sale at Flying J Ranch Park. The purchase of firewood sale permits will only be offered online. The dates of the sale are Sept 12–13, 19–20, and 26–27. A total of 40 (two hour) slots will be available for each day of the sale. A permit costs $25 with a strict limit of two permits per customer.

Remember to Recreate Responsibly!

Governor Polis has issued a Proclamation declaring this week as Colorado Recreates Responsibly Week. Every day this week, we are focusing on one Recreate Responsibly principle daily and invite you to join us! Today's topic is play it safe: Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained due to the pandemic. Remember, there is currently a state-wide fire ban in place, and fires are NEVER permitted in Jeffco Open Space parks.

Need more ideas about how to play it safe? JCOS Park Ranger Mark Dargatz talks about the 10 Essentials and how to be prepared when hitting the trails. Even if it's only a short day trip, you never know when these items could come in handy.
Watch the video

Building My Sustainable Farm Business

Learn to master the skills of creating a financial, marketing, and production plan for your farm to help insure the future of your enterprise. Meet and learn from industry specialists and other successful Jeffco farmers who are working the plans and re-creating their marketing strategies in this time of COVID.
More information and registration

Construction Update on Clear Creek Canyon Park - Gateway Segment

There’s lots of great work happening in Clear Creek Canyon Park. Check out the latest update video to see the progress being made on the Tunnel 1 restroom, as well as, the newest bridge, and the custom-made high line made to ferry equipment and materials across the creek to repair the wooden flume.

Clear Creek Access Closures

There is NO water access to Clear Creek from west of Tunnel 1, at the Welch Ditch intake, all the way to the US 6 overpass due to active construction zone. Do not cross barriers and obey all signage for your own safety and the safety of our crews. Please note that this is in addition to the closure implemented by City of Golden that prohibits access to Clear Creek within city limits due to COVID-19.
J COS Alerts and Closures

South Valley Park South Trailhead Progress

The final stage of construction began recently, with Jeffco Road & Bridge prepping the area around the restroom and kiosk for concrete flat work. The trail will be closed to the north, at the intersection of Coyote Song and Prairie Falcon, during the final weeks of construction when concrete and asphalt pavement will be installed. The trailhead is planned to reopen the week of September 21 to accommodate revegetation efforts and striping.
J COS Alerts and Closures

Flammulated Owl Survey at Mount Falcon Park

The flammulated owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) is a small, nocturnal owl that breeds in the ponderosa pine, mixed conifer forests of Colorado. Their diet is composed primarily of insects including moths, grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles. Jefferson County Open Space Natural Resources staff have been conducting surveys in the parks for this owl. Wildlife surveys such as flammulated owl surveys provide data that is valuable for informing decisions about park management and natural resources enhancement projects.

Have you taken any great photos in Jeffco Open Space parks recently? Send them to us at jeffcoparks@jeffco.us or on social media, and you could be featured in next month's Panorama!