What the Poo, and Socks, Too?

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

Welch Ditch Bridge with fall colorsIsn’t this a gorgeous sight? Here we are at the Welch Ditch Bridge, the third and western-most of the three bridges that cross Clear Creek between the Gateway Segment Trailhead and the Tunnel One Trailhead.

Recently, Miss Mountain Manners was walking the Clear Creek Gateway Segment Trail, and what a beautiful experience that was. She was just past the Tough Cuss Bridge (the middle bridge), when she ran into this:

Miss Mountain Manners wants to thank the person who did 2/3 of “the right thing”. First, that person brought their own poo bag (poo bags provided at the Trailhead that day were bright orange). Next, that person bagged their puppy’s poo. But then Miss Mountain Manners got confused: why leave the poo bag on the trail? Why not carry it out?

I know what some of you are thinking — that person left the bag and was going to pick it up on the way back. Turns out, that was not the case — this trail is out and back again. Miss Mountain Manners decided to give this person the benefit of the doubt and walked all the way to trail’s end, but did not see anyone walking a dog. Sadly, this poo bag was left behind for the Poop Fairy to collect.

Miss Mountain Manners has news for this person: Read more

Dog on Leash — it’s so important!

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

In the early summer of 2021 a tiny, 10-month-old cockapoo disappeared while hiking with her family in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Area near Aspen. “Bella” was not on lead; she was walking with her human and canine family when something caught her attention and she wandered off-trail. By the time anyone noticed that she was missing, she’s wandered into the woods and was lost.

For the next 4 weeks Bella somehow managed to stay alive, eating whatever she could find, drinking out of rainwater pools and streams, and hiding — hiding from humans and from predators that would have gladly had her for lunch. She was in survival mode, terrified of everyone and everything, focusing only on staying alive from one day to the next.

And then the near-impossible happened, she was found by a human passer-by who possessed the skills and intuition that it took to coax a terrified little dog (by that time she had lost half her body weight and was down to 4 pounds) into the safety of his car. Bella was safely reunited with her people. The wounds she’d received during her month-long sojourn in the wild were tended to, and she returned home to safety.

This story had a happy ending, but happy endings where lost dogs are concerned are not the norm. By some estimates, under the very best of circumstances, only 1 in 5 lost dogs are ever reunited with their people. When a dog is lost in a wilderness area, the statistics can plummet.

Jefferson County Open Space has a regulation concerning dogs in the parks — they’re to be kept on lead and attached to their humans at all times. They’re not allowed to run loose, they’re not allowed to chase wildlife, they’re not allowed to chase other park visitors. This regulation is not meant to be “mean”, it’s meant to ensure that your fur-buddy doesn’t end up as another “Bella”, with an 80%+ chance of never being seen again.

Avoid the heartbreak of loosing your best friend; stay connected. Stay safe. Both of you.

 

 

Public land agencies remind everyone to #recreateresponsibly this summer

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Federal, state, and local agencies remind everyone to know before you go, plan ahead, be courteous on area trails, and help protect sensitive natural resources.

With visitation to Front Range trails expected to increase over the next several weeks, a group of eight federal, state, and local Colorado land managers remind visitors to recreate responsibly on area public lands. Recreating outdoors is an important way of life for all Coloradans, and public land agencies need everyone’s cooperation to help them sustain enjoyable outdoor experiences and preserve natural areas for future generations.

Public land agencies with lands along Colorado’s Front Range remind visitors to “know before you go,” plan ahead, and remember several essential responsible recreation guidelines over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, including:

  • Enjoy and protect shared public lands. With visitation continuing to increase, the agencies remind visitors to do their part to help protect land, wildlife, water, and plants. Numerous small disturbances can quickly harm sensitive natural resources and have a lasting impact on shared public lands. Remember to “Leave No Trace” and be prepared to pack out all trash and dog waste when receptacles aren’t available.
  • Be courteous and inclusive. People visit trails and public lands for many reasons, including emotional and physical well-being and spending time with friends and family members. Visitors of all identities and abilities deserve respect and courtesy while recreating outdoors.
  • Plan visits ahead of time and know your limits. Local public land agencies continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Look at the weather forecast and trail and trailhead information. Visit public lands with a friend or a family member. Tell people where you’re going and when you plan on returning. Make sure to bring food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cold, wet, or changing weather conditions.
  • Don’t park illegally at full trailheads and follow all rules and regulations. Have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Parks and trails are generally less crowded on weekdays. Trailhead parking lots are often full early in the morning on weekends. Take shuttles to popular recreation areas, if available. Review agency rules and regulations before heading to the trailhead as individual areas may have special restrictions or guidelines.
  • Continue to follow all public health guidance and requirements. Stay home if you are sick. Remember to “keep the space in open space” by maintaining 6 feet of distance from people not in your household. While no longer required, it’s recommended you bring a face covering with you because it’s not always possible to maintain 6 feet of physical distance outdoors, such as passing others on a narrow trail.
  • Stay on trail and walk through mud. If you need to step off-trail to let others pass, avoid stepping on vegetation. Step back on trail immediately after people pass you. Please don’t travel off trail. Help protect sensitive wildlife habitats by staying out of wildlife closure areas.

The group of public land agencies who participated in this joint release remind residents to access their websites to view critical advisories and trail maps BEFORE planning visits to public lands:

Visitors can also download the following trail apps developed with support from the State of Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado:

  • Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available for free in the Apple and Google stores.
  • Boulder Area Trails App, available for free in the Apple and Google store

PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy Registration Is Open Now!

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

CRAZY ABOUT CONSERVATION?

SERIOUS ABOUT LAND STEWARDSHIP?

CONCERNED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE?

Join us for our 7-week Stewardship Academy. During this time you’ll learn about

Jefferson County and what makes it so special.

The Jeffco Open Space Program and how it came to be.

The Open Space Parks, how they’re organized and maintained.

The Jeffco Open Space Greenprint and what it means for the Parks’ future.

Ecology, land preservation, and citizen science in Jeffco.

The Open Space Advisory Committee, what it is and what it does.

Threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, how to mitigate them.

Human activity and its impact on open spaces.

Visitor experience in Jeffco Open Space Parks.

Taking care of our precious lands.

This seven-week program, meets once a week, in a virtual classroom setting plus in-person field experience in the Jeffco Open Space Parks.

Enrollment is now open…classes start Tuesday, May 4th, 6-8 PM.

$35 Enrollment fee*, includes:

Six weeks of presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management, and more.

Opportunity to observe the Open Space Advisory Committee in action.

A group stewardship project in one of the Jeffco Open Space Parks.

One-year full membership in PLAN Jeffco.

Download planned curriculum HERE.

REGISTER

Connect to EventBrite to make your reservation here

or download this form, fill it out and mail with your check for $35 to

PLAN Jeffco

11010 West 29th Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80215

EventBrite will collect email address, first name, last name and payment information during checkout.

*limited scholarship available upon request. Contact ac*****@********co.org for more information.

MISS MOUNTAIN MANNERS INVITES YOU TO GO BIRD WATCHING

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

                        Are you looking to try something new to fill these long COVID days?

                        MISS MOUNTAIN MANNERS INVITES YOU TO GO BIRD WATCHING  

But it’s the middle of winter, why would I do that now?

  1. With fewer leaves on the deciduous trees and bushes it makes it easier to spot the birds.
  2. Many ducks and geese are at their most colorful in the winter, in preparation for the coming mating/nesting season.
  3. Birds are everywhere, from your backyard and neighborhood, through the flatlands, and into the foothills and mountain parks. Note that bird species—in fact all species of flora and fauna—are most numerous near water. The riparian areas (along streams and lake shores) provide the lushest vegetation, satisfying birds’ needs for sustenance, and cover for their nests.
  4. Birding satisfaction merely requires a little patience and time to watch and listen for them, while being quiet and mindful of the area. You’ll be amazed at how many of the sounds of birds—and in fact the natural world in general–are revealed when you stand quietly. Eventually, you’ll be able to identify different types of birds not only by sight, but also be their calls and songs.
Mountain Chickadee, photo courtesy of eBird

Mountain Chickadee, photo courtesy of eBird

The Jeffco Open Space Bird Species Checklist lists 388 possible species present in Jefferson County. For example, in September, 2015, 195 individual birds, representing 31 species, were sighted over four and one-half hours by a small group of bird watchers at the West end of Mount Falcon Open Space Park. Go to the ebirdhotspots website for lists of birds currently being viewed in various park areas in Jefferson County.

So, has Miss Mountain Manners tweaked your interest?  If so, here are some of the many birds you might find as Spring progresses in the following parks:

Crown Hill–in the lake: Ring-billed Gull, Common Merganser, Mallard, Coot, Goldeneye; in the reeds at the water’s edge: Red-winged Black Bird; in the trees: American Kestrel, Red-Tailed Hawk.

Stellar's Jay, photo courtesy of Boulder Audubon

Stellar’s Jay, photo courtesy of Boulder Audubon

South Valley Park: Mallard (in the pond near the main entrance), Mountain and Western Bluebird, Red-tailed Hawk, Magpie, Prairie Falcon, Scrub Jay, Towhee.

White Ranch: Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco.

Mount Falcon: Pygmy Nuthatch, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadee, Common Raven, Townsend’s Solitaire.

Walk a mile: the paved path that circles the lake at Crown Hill is 1.2 miles long, while the Coyote Song/Swallow trails loop at South Valley is 2 miles. Miss Mountain Manners says, “Get out there and watch for our feathered friends,” you will not be disappointed! Be sure to stay on designated trails to protect the habitat and animals.

How do you identify a bird? First, get your general impression, the size and shape of the bird (“giss” in bird watcher talk). Then, look for the color of the bill, marks around the eyes, breast color, wing bars, and tail markings. Now refer to your guide book.

As it warms up: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s Hawk Watch is a volunteer program to monitor the migration of raptors along the Dakota Hogback of Dinosaur Ridge in Jeffco, from mid-March through mid-May. Visitors are welcome. Parking is across the road from Mathew-Winters Park.

Pygmy Nuthatch, photo courtesy of eBird

Pygmy Nuthatch, photo courtesy of eBird

Portions of several JCOS parks are closed to protect ground-nesting bird habitats, nesting birds of prey, and nesting and brooding waterfowl: Clear Creek Canyon Park, Deer Creek Canyon Park/Hildebrand Ranch Park, North Table Mountain Park, South Table Mountain Park, and Cathedral Spires Park (generally from February 1 – July 31, but check each park site for specific details). Miss Mountain Manners reminds you to respect the closures, they mean more birds in the future. (Parks may also be closed due to mud.)

Grab your binoculars, a bird book (David Sibley’s “Field Guide to Birds of Western North America” is recommended), and maybe a bird app for your phone (Merlin, eBird, Audubon Birds, iBird Pro, National Geographic), then enjoy the quietness of the natural world and a new sense of connection with the wild.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

Open Space Trail Closures 2021

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Regular followers of Open Space news have seen the notices about the recent trail closures at various Open Space parks. These closures are to protect birds of prey (eagles, falcons) and other wildlife (elk, deer) during their birthing and nesting seasons.  Park visitors are strongly encouraged to adhere to these restrictions, as violators will face fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment.

As of Monday, February 1, 2021, the following trails will be closed until further notice:

Centennial Cone Park – Elk Range Trail at Centennial Cone Park, including the interior of the park, is closed from February 1 through mid-June to protect elk during their calving season. All other trails remain open.

Clear Creek Canyon Park – portions of Clear Creek Canyon Park near Mile Marker 270 are closed to all public use uphill of US Highway 6 from February 1 through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory. This closure includes the following rock climbing sites: Bumbling Stock, Stumbling Block, Skinny Legs, Blonde Formation, and Ghost Crag. The Fault Caves are also included in this closure.

Portions of Clear Creek Canyon Park, near Tunnel 2, are closed to all public use uphill of US Highway 6 from February 1 through July 31 to protect nesting eagles. This closure includes the following rock climbing sites: Highlander, Evil Area, and Tetanus Garden.

Deer Creek Canyon Park/Hildebrand Ranch Park – the entirety of Black Bear Trail, which connects Deer Creek Canyon Park and Hildebrand Ranch Park, is closed from February 1 through July 31 to protect nesting birds of prey.

North Table Mountain Park – Rim Rock Trail at North Table Mountain Park is closed from February 1 through July 31 to protect ground-nesting bird habitat and nesting birds of prey.

South Table Mountain Park – Lava Loop Trail at South Table Mountain Park is closed from February 1 through July 31 to protect ground-nesting bird habitat and nesting eagles.

Cathedral Spires Park – The entirety of Cathedral Spires Park is closed from March 1 through July 31 to protect nesting birds of prey.

Crown Hill Park – The Crown Hill Park Wildlife Sanctuary  in the northwest quadrant of the park is closed from March 1 through June 30 to protect nesting and brooding waterfowl.

Miss Mountain Manners advises you respect these trail closures, and to report violations of these closures by calling the Jefferson County Dispatch at 303-980-7300.

For more information go to Jeffco Open Space.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

 

Hygge: Hot Chocolate in front of fireplace

Miss Manners – Winter Contemplation

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Miss Manners says, “It’s winter. The parks are hunkered down.”

The days are short and often cold – time for the earth, its flora and its fauna, to conserve energy and renew. This period of dormancy helps plants rest up for renewed activity in the warmer days ahead. Many animals are in a survival mode, on minimum rations, and should not be disturbed.

When venturing out at this time of year:
* For yourself: dress in layers, stay hydrated, take along a snack, wear water-proof boots.
* For others: keep your distance, announce your presence as appropriate, wear a mask.
* For the parks: stay on the trail. If the trail is muddy, hike in the mud, don’t start a new parallel trail. If conditions permit, try snowshoes or x-country skis.

Alternate Plan B (once in a while): give nature the chance to restore itself. Put on your warmest socks, make yourself some hot chocolate, turn on your favorite music and enjoy the quiet time at home.

Winter by Rick Warr, June 2017

time to stop
hunker down
withdraw
think
reflect
celebrate silence
hibernate
conserve
hug
roast
contemplate
regenerate
sleep
dream
breathe fresh air
enjoy winter
the quiet season

 

See you in a warmer, healthier 2021 spring. Until then, stay safe!
Miss Manners

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

Female park ranger cartoon

MISS MOUNTAIN MANNERS CHALLENGES YOU

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

It ain’t over til it’s over. And it is definitely not over yet. Jefferson County has seen increased COVID-19 cases and is at risk of tighter restrictions.  Jefferson County Public Health is calling on residents to stay strong and focused on preventing the spread of this virus. With rising infection rates, clearly many people are not following the rules. Will you??

Miss Manners, remembering earlier times and common fence-post signs for “Burma Shave,” invites you to play the following game and even create your own sign jingles. Match the sign posts with the proper guideline for your Jefferson County Open Space experiences.

1. Meet someone?

Don’t frown

Slow down

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 a. COVID-19 primarily spreads person to person to person. Because you can become infected from respiratory droplets when a nearby infected person breathes heavily, coughs, sneezes or talks, maintain a minimum six-foot distance. This will also help prevent them from being infected by you.
2. Be first rate

Communicate

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 b. Keep one ear-bud out. Enjoy the sounds of nature and let others do the same.
3. Be a knight

Keep right

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 c. As you approach other trail users (particularly from behind), announce your presence in a timely manner, and loud enough for them to hear. Give them time to find a safe place where they can be socially distanced from you.
4. Be safe

For instance

Keep your distance

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 d. The leash is safer for your dog, the environment, and other park visitors who may be afraid of dogs. Your dog is YOUR friend, but not necessarily another park visitor’s friend and certainly not park wildlife’s friend.
5. You don’t know

What you’re missin’

Unless you listen

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 e. Cyclists: Pedestrians and equestrians have the right-of-way. Slow down and stop if necessary.
6. Place no bets

Leash your pets

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 f. Respect public lands and waters. Take ALL of your garbage – including pet wastes – with you. Remember: There is no POOP fairy.
7. Preserve this place

Leave no trace

Take it to the base

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 g. The rules of the road apply. Keep to your right.
8. Heed the call

Keep your group small

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 h. Common courtesy will make things more pleasant for all those participating.
9. It’s your task

Wear a mask

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 i. You will have less impact on the parks and other users. It will be easier to maintain social distancing guidelines. Do not take up the whole width of the trail; allow others to pass safely with a minimum of 6-foot distancing.
10. Treat other trail users with respect

No matter how they are decked

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 j. This will lessen the impact on the environment with less driving.
11. Don’t pull the rug

Walk through the mud

Over hill and dale

Stay on the trail

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 k. Going off trail to shortcut a switchback or to avoid mud, widens the trail and is bad for trail sustainability.
12. Horses first

And then the hikers

Yielding to all should be the bikers

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

 l. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth when meeting others. Social distancing is required, particularly when passing other visitors on the trail who are not being considerate by wearing a face covering.
13. Follow your nose

Stay close to home

MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

WE ARE EMPHATIC – – IT’S A PANDEMIC

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

LET’S GET SERIOUS ABOUT FIRE

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Miss Mountain Manners here. I want to talk to you about something very important, and I want you to pay attention. Wildfire!

The elements are all here. We live in an arid region, and the wildland/urban interface is known as the geographic “red zone” for wildland fires.  It predominates in the foothills of Jefferson County, where most of our beloved Jeffco Open Space Parks are located. Evergreen and Conifer are #1 in Colorado and in the top 10 nationally for risk of property loss to wildfire. Due to our recent persistent dry weather there is an increasingly potent risk of wildfires.

Currently there are four major fires in Colorado.  With over 56,000 acres of Open Space Parks in Jefferson County, we must all be ever alert to prevent wildfires here. Nearly 85 percent of U.S. wildfires are human caused.

Elephant Butte wildfire near Evergreen, CO 7/13/2020. Photo courtesy of Jeffco Sheriff Dept. Recent events: The fire at Deer Creek Canyon Park in August of 2019 burned 20 – 25 acres and was human caused. It required evacuations and six fire agencies to fight the blaze. In July, 2020, the “Elephant Butte Fire” west of Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, due to lightning, burned about 50 acres. A heavy rain helped that firefighting effort. In April, 2020 the “560 Fire” in the Pike National Forest in Jeffco burned at least 83 acres in the Hayman burn scar. Looking further back, in 2012, the “Lower North Fork” fire turned deadly, claiming 3 lives and torching thousands of acres in the Conifer area. We probably all remember the massive Hayman fire in 2002, which burned 138,114 acres across four counties including Jefferson. It can happen again.

The increased use of our Open Space Parks due to persons seeking COVID-19 relief increases wildfire risks. Many park visitors are unfamiliar with (and/or are disinclined to familiarize themselves with) the park regulations, and are not mindful of the close proximity of the parks to home developments.

Here are the rules:

* It is unlawful to smoke or use an electronic smoking device on Open Space Lands, except within an enclosed vehicle or on a portion of a parking lot or developed trailhead that is devoid of all vegetation.

* Any fires are unlawful except liquid or gas fueled grills or camp stoves in designated camping and picnic areas.

* It is unlawful to ignite or discharge fireworks or other explosive or incendiary devices. (From Jefferson County Open Space Lands Rules and Regulations C.12.a. &b.)

Please be sensible and comply with these very logical restrictions.  Also, when you encounter someone violating park regulations, call the Jeffco Dispatch non-emergency number, 303-980-7300 to report it. It is the best way to get a park ranger on the scene in a timely manner.

Wildfire mitigation work (careful forest thinning) has been ongoing at Jeffco’s Flying J Ranch Park since 2019. Fire mitigation work along Buffalo Park Road has been completed. (JCOS Director’s Report, 9/3/20) This 34-acre project will create safer ingress and egress for firefighters and evacuees in the event of a wildfire. The Conservation Greenprint 2020-2025 has $3 million dedicated to Forest Health by reducing tree density and fuel sources on 1,000 of JCOS 17,000 acres of forested lands. Priority parks are Reynolds, Alderfer/Three Sisters, Elk Meadow, Meyer Ranch, White Ranch, Lookout Mountain Preserve and Coal Creek Canyon Study Area.

Now it is your turn. Do your part and fire won’t start.

 

TOP TEN Ways to Become a Trail Hazard  

/0 Comments/in , /by

Here’s a list of ideas on how you can make yourself a real pain in the @$& when visiting our Jeffco Open Space Parks.

1. Drive as far from home as you can to hike in a Jefferson County Open Space Park. The oil companies will welcome your gas money.

2. When you reach your destination at a Jeffco Open Space park, if the parking lot is full, park on any road shoulder, even outside the park, and preferably over the white line or less than 18 inches from main roadway. Your parking fine will help alleviate the County’s financial stress. 

3. Hike when the park is most crowded – between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. That way you can expose COVID-19 to (and be exposed by) the most people.

4. Don’t bother to wear a mask. When you wear a mask people won’t be able to see your smile or catch your bugs. Besides, if everyone else is wearing a mask you can’t catch anything, so you’re good to go. 

5. It’s OK to walk off trail. The parks don’t have enough trails. More informal social trails can accommodate more hikers and give maintenance crews something to do restoring damaged vegetation. The rattlesnakes are waiting for you. 

6. Hike in big groups. The bears will appreciate having options. 

7. Ignore the 6-foot social distance guideline. All those open areas will just be filled in by somebody else, putting you in an even more dangerous situation. That’s what you want, right? 

8. Go as fast as possible. The object of being outside on the trail is to pass as many people as possible, given your superior speed capabilities. But wait — this minimizes interaction times, so maybe it’s not such a good idea? 

9. Leave your dog poop bag next to the trail. The poop fairy will pick it up.

10. No need to observe park rules. The rangers and volunteers need to have a reason to be in the parks, and the fines you’ll have to pay will help the Open Space budget.

Enjoy your outing!