URGENT - Gilpin Cty proposed closure

[branden_burden]

I have not posted in here in quite a while, but, FYI:

There is proposed closure in the works in Gilpin Cty for just under 8,000 acres (12 sq. miles) south of Tolland Rd (area would be "managed" as a Special Protection Area). The exact boundary is yet to be released, but the areas potentially impacted include: Kingston Pk, Mammoth Gulch, Apex, Yankee Hill Rd. area, connections E and W out of the Elk Park area. This could be very bad, although we don't know yet (I doubt it will be good...)

Meeting: Monday, July 18 @ 6PM; Gilpin Community Center
or
Comments: email your concerns to pubcomment@co.gilpin.co.us or call 303-582-5214 and give Roger Baker an earful

I live very near the proposed boundary - this could close a large number of trails and concentrate users into the few areas left open - ie. my backyard. If you live out of the county let Roger (the Cty. manager) know that this will adverly affect your ability to come to the county and spend money or time doing things other than gambling.

Thanks. See ya at the meeting.

[Creek]

fuuuuuck....no bueno. Unfortunatly, this is waaay too late of notice for me to be able to atten the meeting tomorrow night.

[branden_burden]

can't blame ya. the only mention of this anywhere is a small article in the local paper up here. I don't think these guys wanted too many people to see it.... oops.

[bogof]

Thanks for posting this up. It is a little late notice, but I'm sure there will be a decent turnout. Email on it's way.

Have you tried posting this on Colorado4x4.org?

BTW I moved this to Trail Talk.

[redrocket97]

I question how the local county yahoos can close an area that they do not manage or maintain. These are US Forest Service roads, not county roads. Seems to be overreaching by local authorities for no apparent reason. This trail system is the only reason to visit Gilpin County other than throwing money away at the casinos. Does this county manager happen to live in the area in question? Makes no sense. I expect to have to fight this kind of thing from the Feds not from the local gov.

[branden_burden]

redrocket - it is a legislative effort by Polis and Udall. The County Manager set up the meeting, but in the tone of the article he wrote (only reason why I know about it) he appears to support it and I think was looking for more support.

I have to admit - nobody has seen the maps yet, so we don;t know how bad it is, and it appears to be in the early planning stages, but I want to nip this one in the bud ASAP.

[Creek]

are you planning on going to the meeting tomorrow evening? if so, keep us updated on this.

[branden_burden]

I love living in Gilpin - this county is so independent and a little fearfull of the federal govt.

Around 80 people showed up - only 3 spoke in favor of the additions aside from the presenter - who, get this, owns a yurt on a chunk of land up there (where she would maintain rights) and could potentially profit as she rents this thing out to Texans as a wilderness getaway. Un-freaking-believable.

It was not well recepted. It was for the most part civil, although there were a few louder, and frankly rude moments from some of my more redneck gilpin brothers.

The proposed boundary would directly effect Mammoth Gulch, as Indian Peajs would move to Apex. The addition of a new area around Elk Park would make it very easy for Kingston and Apex to be closed in the future as they would be surrounded. Gilpin County's website has the amatuer proposal - filled with errors and even incorrect photos.

I have no idea where this will end, but the reps of Polis and Udall got an earfull from Gilpin County, that is for sure.