April 24, 2012 - Open Space and Mountain Parks begins seasonal restrictions in areas important to grassland ground nesting birds

Contacts:
Heather Swanson, Open Space and Mountain Parks, 303-441-3440
Eric Stone, Open Space and Mountain Parks, 303-441-3440
www.osmp.org

Open Space and Mountain Parks begins seasonal restrictions in areas important to grassland ground nesting birds

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) will begin seasonal area closures to protect grassland ground nesting birds on Saturday, May 1. While trails in these areas remain open to visitors, off-trail closures will be in effect until July 31, 2012.

The areas closed for grassland ground nesting birds are:

• both sides of the Greenbelt Plateau trail from Community Ditch trail to the Greenbelt Plateau trailhead on Highway 128. Dogs will be allowed on the Greenbelt Plateau only if they are on-leash (area is normally voice and sight control);
• the area north of Community Ditch trail and west of Highway 93;
• the area north of Doudy Draw trail and west of Highway 93, on top of the mesa;
• The area east of the Mesa Trail, Big Bluestem connector and South Shanahan Trail between South Boulder Creek Trail on the south and Cragmoor Connector/Greenbriar Boulevard to the north. 

Dog regulations on the Community Ditch, Doudy Draw, South Boulder Creek, Mesa, Bluestem Connector, South Shanahan, Hardscrabble Connector trails will remain voice and sight control.  On-leash requirements remain on Lower Big Bluestem Trail, and no-dog regulations remain on Greenbriar Connector Trail. 

Ground nesting birds in the area include grasshopper and Vesper sparrows, Western meadowlarks and common nighthawks.  These and other grassland species are highly sensitive to disturbance during the nesting season.

“We want to thank the public for their cooperation during these next few months,” said Eric Stone, division manager for OSMP. “It is really important to stay on the trails and give these birds a chance to raise their young when they are the most vulnerable.”

This is the sixth year that OSMP has implemented seasonal closures for grassland birds.

For maps and more information, visit www.osmp.org or call (303) 441-3440.

Last Updated on Friday, 15 June 2012 07:48