April 13, 2012 - Parks and Recreation and Boulder Aeromodeling Society establish yearly modified flight use agreement

Media Contacts:
Shelly Ruspakka, Parks and Recreation, 303-413-7214
Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov

Parks and Recreation and Boulder Aeromodeling Society establish yearly modified flight use agreement

Working together, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Boulder Aeromodeling Society have developed an annual modified flight use agreement for the Boulder Aeromodeling Society field located northwest of the Boulder Reservoir. The modified flight use of the area maintains the seasonal wildlife closure as planned, during the critical nesting period.

This site will be monitored for related nesting activity as planned, and flying hours will be from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. The remainder of the site will remain closed to the general public until it is determined whether or not nesting has proven successful. As in previous years, the agreement provides for flying activity while minimizing potential disturbance to wildlife. This year’s agreement includes specific protocols, reduces hours of operation, limits flight zones and works to educate pilots about species in the area.

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department and Boulder Aeromodeling Society have worked on seasonal closure and or a modified flight plan in each of the past three years.  The two organizations are working together to help protect nesting areas and rearing of young by bird species of concern.  The seasonal wildlife closure was put in place on April 1, the start of the nesting period for northern harrier, burrowing owl and other species at this location. A general decline of these species has been evident in Boulder during the past several years. 

Several organizations (U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Audubon Society, Partners in Flight, Colorado Natural Heritage Program and Boulder County Nature Association) have recognized that these species (northern harrier and burrowing owl) are listed as “of concern” due to a variety of reasons, including human activity and a rapid decline in specific habitat.

“Protecting these nesting birds has been a concern for the community and the Parks and Recreation Department for the past several years, and this agreement continues to work towards that end,” said Kirk Kincannon, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Boulder.

The public is reminded that while the Boulder Aeromodeling Society field is open for modified flight use, the seasonal wildlife closure remains in effect until further notice for the remaining area and to the general public. For more information, call Matt Claussen, Parks and Recreation, at 303-413-7258.

Last Updated on Friday, 15 June 2012 07:51