Empty pillar where interpretive sign once stood.

Founders Sign Removed from Open Space Park

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Empty pillar where interpretive sign once stood.By Vicky Gits and Bette Seeland, Nov 26, 2023

Early this year Jefferson County Open Space quietly removed without replacing an interpretive sign that had stood for about 20 years as a tribute to the visionaries whose genius and hard work launched PLAN Jeffco and created the Open Space Park system.

Now that the sign is gone, it is probably gone for good, according to Matt Robbins of the Open Space department.  Positioned in Elk Meadow Open Space in Evergreen, the sign was removed because it had fallen into disrepair after weathering outdoors for so long.

Evergreen resident Joe Mackey brought the missing sign to the attention of the Open Space Advisory Commission in October at a regular meeting. A former member of OSAC in the ‘70s, Mackey thinks the sign should be preserved. Read more

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PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy – It’s Here!

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PJ Academy Fall 2022 banner imagePLAN Jeffco Academy Presents:  Stewardship of Open Lands

ALERT: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy has been postponed until Spring ’23.

Join us for our full-day Stewardship Academy. Learn how open space conservation started in Jefferson County, why such lands are important, and increase your understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of open lands.

PLAN Jeffco was the driving force behind development of the outstanding Jefferson County Open Space Program that serves so many.  We want to help others to experience greater enjoyment and appreciation of open lands.

What will we talk about?

  • The role of PLAN Jeffco’s volunteers in the origination and development of the Jefferson County Open Space Park System has resulted in preservation of more than 56,000 acres of public land to date.
  • The history of land stewardship in Jefferson County.
  • The geological and ecological significance of our open lands.
  • Issues facing our ecosystems, especially along the Front Range, and how we can help address those issues.
  • Ensuring that open space parks are welcoming for all visitors.
  • How individual actions impact the land, other visitors, and maintenance needs and costs.
  • How you can help ensure that our open lands remain healthy into the future.

This full-day program is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th 9 am-4 pm
at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado

There will be an optional Friday afternoon field project on October 28th for those who are interested in a hands-on field experience

$35 Enrollment fee* includes:

  • A full day of presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management, and more.
  • An optional group stewardship project in one of the Jeffco Open Space Parks.
  • One-year full membership in PLAN Jeffco.
  • An intimate connection to the original founders of PLAN Jeffco and the Open Space program, as well as the opportunity to meet and greet the current PLAN Jeffco Board Members and possibly, become a Board Member yourself!

Enroll now. Download planned curriculum HERE.

STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY POSTPONED

Connect to PayPal to make your reservation,

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

PLAN Jeffco

11010 West 29th Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80215

Unsure about whether or not you want to participate in this Stewardship Academy? Not able to make it this time because of conflicts? No problem – sign up and we’ll keep you informed about future Academies as we roll them out.

 

*limited scholarship available upon request. Contact

ac*****@pl********.org











 for more information.

Bruce Bryant, In Memoriam 1930-2021

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Bruce Bryant, 90, passed away on January 12, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado. Bruce was a passionate supporter of open spaces and natural resources; he was a member of PLAN Jeffco in its early days, as well as a member of the Clear Creek Land Conservancy, which is now part of Colorado Open Lands.

Bruce’s full obituary can be found here.

Memorial gifts in Bruce’s name can be made to Colorado Open Lands, 1546 Cole Blvd. #200 Lakewood, CO 80401 https://coloradoopenlands.org/

 

“Bruce was truly a champion of the natural world. His work in Geology in Co and AZ is extensive and excellent. He has been missed in the neighborhood.” — Jeff Bogard, CCLC/COL-AB Board Member

Open Space Camping Reservations Suspended

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From Matt Robbins, Community Connections Manager, Jefferson County Open Space:

Due to high park visitation, Jeffco Open Space will be suspending all camping reservations until further notice. The increased visitation has demanded staff resources, as well as campground management taking Park Rangers away from other essential duties of managing visitor safety and resource protection during peak times. All existing camping reservations will be honored, but no new camping reservations will be accepted.

Some background leading us to this decision:

  • Park visitation is at an all-time high. While high use is concentrated on weekends and holidays, we are also seeing record use on weekdays.
  • With park visitation so high, park maintenance needs have increased by 66%. We have gone from an average of three service trucks to average five daily.
  • With park maintenance stretched thin, park rangers have taken over basic maintenance including restrooms and trash at all parks with resident rangers.
  • With added park maintenance duties, campground management and maintenance are taking park rangers away from essential duties managing visitor safety and resource protection during peak visitation times.

For these reasons, JCOS will stop taking new campground reservations effective Friday, May 15. We will honor all current reservations.

For additional information, please contact Matt Robbins, Jeffco Community Connections Manager

303.271.5902, 303.522.6218 (cell), https://www.jeffco.us/1531/Alerts-Closures

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