Updates to Jeffco OS

Hey all, was just perusing their site.

A couple of things. They put a link to CCC: Grant Terry Park

I think they began some trail & bridgework in the canyon east of Tunnel 1. I think CDOT has some rock-fall mitigation completed/worked on (anyone??). So, maybe they are getting underway to start working on this park. Don't really know if all the budget stuff got resolved/funded.

Also, they had a news flyer last Oct. indicative of Denver Mtn Parks cooperating with Jeffco on a bond aquisition for DMP land.

Here's the release: Together, Denver Mountain Parks and Jefferson County Open Space provide more than 60,000 acres of open space parks to the public

I don't know the status of anything, however the 2006 climbing guidelines were incorporated into their overall mgt plan to work with each Park Mgt Plan -- so I would say that things are moving along to develop their next round of parks.

Anything regarding Ralston Buttes? ...the bastards.

Nothing that hasn't already been discussed. Tod & I both posted info on the main crag page. But that probably doesn't sit well anyhow, you just wanted to bring up an issue that climbers won't be able to do anything about.

I heard that Jeffco finally got the easement for access to the Cat. Spires and are going to be doing a "resource review" and some trailwork over the closure. Have any good info on this Mark?

Indeed, JeffCo OS has gained legal access to the Spires across Denver Water Board property. Rangers were out walking the property prior to March 1, and it's likely that some OS folks will be out there glassing for raptors during the closure.

One of the questions I still had was the private land easement they went back and forth on to make the entire park work for their legal access which I think were going to keep using the established climbers' trails. The Dvr water easement I think they had pretty much worked out back in late '06.

Access to the Dome area is still a question mark as far as working within the park concept. This is the private property area; the DWB easement has been finalized as stated.

They plan to be more effective in monitoring of the raptor nesting sites; which wasn't slated for schedule until after the implementation of the easements & multi-purpose trailing -- so this sounds good to me, they sound like they may be looking at a more advanced schedule than previously discussed. The point of raptor closure is to allow raptors to nest, not close an area just to close it; Jeffco knows this and they have been cordial in discussions about conservation-based access.

Mark Nelson wrote:The point of raptor closure is to allow raptors to nest, not close an area just to close it; Jeffco knows this and they have been cordial in discussions about conservation-based access.

Good this important detail has been worked out from the git'go

Don't think the raptors could take much more of NotSoFamousOldDude hollarin 'bout banning critter closures

As an Ex US Fish and wildlife law enforcement officer I have one thing to say. Please respect the closure so that this wonderful area will still be open seasonally. I for one am confused about the legal access of snake buttress. This is the one area that does seem to access private property.

Snake is inventoried in the park.

Snake Buttress is within the park, however the current popular access point does cross private property. I spoke with a member of the group of shareholders that owns the property and he expressed that it was not ok for people to cross the property to get to the crag. The big no tresspassing sign on the gate should be a hint.

Yes I know about the sign at the gate. I usually go up the draw to the left of the gate. Why do people have to be so snippy. Most of the old bolts have been removed and replaced.
I noticed a few bolts have been added. I spoke with the guy who re-bolted the area and he said he contacted everyone who put up the original lines.

Sorry, I didn't mean to be snippy. I just feel it's important to respect a landowner's property rights. We don't do ourselves any favors when we thumb our noses at restrictions in the name of gaining the shortest or easiest way up to a rock.

Its cool, no hard feelings. Its just a great area. I think approaching from the draw is ok. I am not sure. I went to the dome near deckers today. New bolted routes are put up. I soloed the left side my guess 5.6. I counted 4 new sets of anchors but could be wrong. Any beta on this new development.

jeff bryan wrote:I spoke with the guy who re-bolted the area and he said he contacted everyone who put up the original lines.

You did? I did? I definitely didn't add any bolts but did replace most last Fall. Don't remember our conversation though.

BTW the guy I am guessing you talked to only replaced 5 bolts on Snake Buttress and added two to a single route after getting permission from one of the first ascentionist.

Mike Morin wrote:Snake Buttress is within the park, however the current popular access point does cross private property.

I think a big tyrol from the cp is going over to help with this. (this is for those without a sense of humor)

The development of the park is gonna take a while. I'm sure they'll get some kind of access in place that will allow us to climb without pissing off surrounding property owners.

You all looked at the Staunton park going in? I guess a few years away; I can't pull up their planning site (from Col State Parks), north of 285 & Shaffers area

I've been to a couple of open houses up in Conifer trying to see what's up with this park and it's been like pulling teeth to gain any solid information. According to Scott Rousch (Park Manager) there will be climbing permitted but not on all of the rocks, that's about all I could get out of them. Basically, the only thing for certain in my estimation is that there will be plenty of RV campsites.

I have seen plans for the park. It does not mean they wont change 5 times. Many climbing areas are going to established. Lions Head will be off limits for sure. I have been on a few controlled burns in Staunton and the potential is good. I am not sure what the rules will be regarding establishing routes.

One more thing, Staunton will not open until an overpass is put in at shaffers. This means CDOT really controls the opening of the park

Kevin,

It must have been you. You were with your girlfriend,wife or a friend. That is exactly what you said. You replaced existing bolts and added I thought 2 bolts on the left side. You also stated that you had contacted the person who made the FA and he said it was cool. I do support what you did and think you did a good job. I have never placed a bolt in my life. I do think replacing and even adding a few bolts to some routes is ok. Some as we know do not think the same. As we all know some idiot trashed 2 good routes on the bucksnort slabs.

Something is gonna have to go in at that intersection regardless.

I don't really know why Lions is so sensitive other than being a peninsulated area of the park; access would be difficult for multi-user & to not sweep around from the base and into the private development(s). But for climber access, I don't really see problem with coming in from the backside and going top & down; other than we're visible once on the face; you know, out enjoying our public park with the rest of the riff raff.