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Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 | |
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Why is it so hard to take a good photo of a wheat field?
The image is always grainy.
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Tops Working Committee
and E - Bikes
At last week’s TOPS Working Committee, members unanimously voted on E-Bikes on TOPS properties. They voted no. While they agree a policy is needed, e-bikes are already commonly used and popular on our trail system; the Committee voted not to support the proposed E-Bikes ordinance as it was presented because it contained a definition that included Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes in the Non-Motorized Use category. (Motorized vehicles are explicitly prohibited in the TOPS ordinance) The Committee felt that changing the definition is not in the spirit and intent of the ordinance.
The Committee is proposing a public vote to change the ordinance. TOSC sees that as
challenging because it requires an entity to fund and lead an expensive public campaign. Another option is to ban e-bikes from Tops supported properties. But that choice would create a confusing system of rules that are unlikely to be understood or followed. TOSC understands “why” TOPS WC voted as they did. Their job is to honor the purpose of the TOPS Program that passed in 1997.
Since e-bikes were not used in the 1990’s, to expect TOPS language to anticipate and ban their use makes no sense to TOSC. The State of Colorado and many Colorado communities and counties have granted Class 1 and 2 e-bikes the same access as traditional bikes. It will be up to the Parks Advisory Board and Colorado Springs City Council to balance honoring the spirit of the TOPS ordinance with a workable and acceptable e-bike policy.
The public is welcome to attend and comment at Thursday’s Parks Advisory Board meeting: 7:30 a.m., 1401 Recreation Way, Colorado Springs, CO.
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TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE COALITION NEWS | |
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New Staff at TOSC
Meet Arrika Bales, our new Office & Membership Manager:
"Hailing from the Midwest originally, I truly love the freedom of the outdoors that our great state has to offer! One of my all-time favorite things is getting out on our trails with my dog, Archie. I really get down for an awesome yoga class too. You might run into her downtown behind the bar at Tony’s a couple nights a week. But more than anything, I’m so excited to join TOSC and bring some exciting things to the table down the road with our already wonderful team"
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Thank You Community Shares!
TOSC is pleased to be a member of Community Shares of Colorado and successfully completed our 2025 application. To learn more about Community Shares of Colorado and how your business can become involved: www.cshares.org
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Rock Island on the Plains
Do you know that there is a 10 mile stretch of the Rock Island Trail that runs from the Rock Island Trailhead just east of Old Meridian Road all the way northeast to the post office parking lot in Peyton at Bradshaw Road? Our partners at El Paso County Parks completed this stretch a few years ago and they are looking to get a few up to date photos of the trail.
Join TOSC staff member Allen and Board President Jerry Cordova next Sunday when they meet up with local photographer Mike Pach to generate a series of beautiful images along the trail. We will be taking a ~1.5 to 2 hour spin after the photos are captured to explore a few miles of the Rock Island Trail and neighborhood connectivity in Falcon, most likely ending at the Purple Toad for a late lunch. If you’d like to meet up with us, feel free to contact Allen via email using allen@trailsandopenspaces.org
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Guess the Park:
One Star Reviews
Can you guess which local park received this one star review on Google?
"...Pictures do not always represent the real picture. If you want to see this go to Walmart and buy sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, black Hawaiian salt and mix them up in a bottle."
This review was pulled from a Google review of a park with more than 2,400 reviews and a 4.7 star rating.
Click here for the answer!
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Season of Giving
GIVE CAMPAIGN: Nov. 1st to Jan. 3rd - The Give Campaign is the Pikes Peak region's largest community philanthropic event. Donations can be made to TOSC anytime during this window of opportunity. Give to TOSC HERE.
GIVING TUESDAY: Dec. 3rd - Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity.
COLORADO GIVES DAY: Dec. 10th - TOSC is participating in Colorado Gives Day this year. Donations can be made HERE.
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RESCHEDULED FOR 11/16/24:
Explore Adams Open Space and Surrounding Trails with TOSC!
Free and open to everyone, TOSC is hosting a guided walk and bike ride this Saturday, November 16th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Adams Open Space in Fountain, CO. Click on the links below for more information and to signup!
TOSC Social Club:
Fall Fountain Trail Ramble Ride
Sat., November 16th,
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Registration/Information
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Voters say yes to Conservation Funding in Colorado
Trust for Public Land (TPL) supported and tracked conservation initiatives across the country. Out of 23 ballot measures in 11 states, 22 were successful -some in Colorado.
Their success translates into $16 billion in voter-approved public funding for parks, land
conservation and climate resilience projects. Projects in Eagle County, Lakewood, Denver and Trinidad will protect parks and open spaces, maintain the health of rivers and streams, support green schoolyards and outdoor classrooms, and maintain local parks and playgrounds.
To learns more: https://www.tpl.org/2024-ballot-measures
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November Snowmageddon
Most of the eastern half of Colorado saw heavy snowfall from November 6th to November 9th. Here is a list of park and trail related news from the storm:
-Record Snow: 19.3" of snow accumulated at the Colorado Springs Airport. Even more fell across the region. Multiple area parks, open spaces and State Parks closed during the storm. Read more about the record snowfall HERE and HERE.
-Record Snowpack: There is record snowpack in the Colorado high country. On Pikes Peak at the Glen Cove SNOTEL site, snow pack is at 900% of normal. Read more about the statewide record snowpack HERE.
-Snowball Fight: The community had a snowball fight at Memorial Park. Read more HERE.
-Wildlife Impacted: Pronghorn in eastern Colorado have been severely impacted by deep snow. Many are taking shelter on highways causing life threatening danger for drivers and the pronghorn. Read more HERE.
-Avalanche Risk: There is currently a moderate threat of avalanches on Pikes Peak at tree line and above. Check current avalanche risk and conditions HERE and the on the Colorado Avalanche Information Center Facebook page HERE.
Now that snow is melting. Be aware of mud on trails across the region over the next couple of weeks. Here are some tips on recreating in the presence of mud HERE and HERE.
*Photos from TOSC Followers on Facebook
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Public Meeting: Fox Run Pond and Gazebo Renovation Project
Sat., Nov. 16th,
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
The pond and gazebo area in Fox Run Regional Park are being renovated! In the early stages of development, this project aims to improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of this well-loved park area!
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City of Colorado Springs Parks: Fishers Canyon Open Space Second Public Meeting
Tues., Nov. 19th,
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Come join the project team and City of Colorado Springs staff for the second public meeting concerning the Master and Management Plan for Fishers Canyon Open Space.
During this public meeting, the planning team will share results from engagement and environmental reviews conducted over the summer. The team will also introduce draft trail enhancement alternatives. The public will be asked to weigh in on alternatives that aim to balance ecosystem health with recreation access.
Help us spread the word about this public meeting!
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COS Parks & Rec
2025 Calendar
Start the new year with a little bit of Colorado Springs’ beauty on your wall! The 2025 DiscoverCOS Calendar brings our city’s trails, parks, and open spaces to life, with each month highlighting a new favorite spot. Pick up your copy for only $15 HERE and know that your purchase helps protect these beautiful places through the Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) Program. Perfect for gifting (or keeping!) – you’ll love it all year long.
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Fillmore Bridge Project Open House
The City of Colorado Springs has kicked off the process for the replacement of the Fillmore Bridge that spans the Pikes Peak Greenway. The team for the Fillmore Street Bridge Improvements and Trail Connections I-25 to Monument Creek (Fillmore Bridge Project) is hosting an open house. You are invited to learn more about the project and trail connection possibilities that exist with this connectivity improvement effort. If you use this corridor often (both trail and roadway) please consider attending and providing input on what your vision is for high-quality and safe trail connections, especially for this critical area of town that needs them.
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: The Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jKR8it28D2MjLkmLA
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Ute Valley Park Regional Trail Connection Complete!
We would like to thank the staff of our COS Parks Department for the hard work they’ve invested in creating the Ute Valley Park Regional Trail. In previous Trail Talk newsletters, we’ve covered the first phase of this project, the connection from Vindicator heading east which was in the older portion of the park. This section was entirely staff constructed as TOPS funding was not available at the time. The Phase 2 portion, the eastern segment running from the Ute Valley Trailhead off of Ute Valley Trail up into the park was TOPS funded, but the connection in the middle was the last hurdle.
We have been notified that the connection has been made and now users can take the Ute Valley Regional Trail fully through the park! This provides a beautiful trail option for people of all ages and abilities. It is a wider natural surface trail suitable for a nice stroll or a casual ride into this amazing gem of a park nestled into the neighborhoods in the northwest side of Colorado Springs.
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Paint Mines Master Plan: Public Comment
The El Paso County Parks Department along with DHM Design, invites residents to review the Paint Mines Interpretive Park Master Plan draft. El Paso County in conserving and preserving this wonderful County property by solidifying final recommendations for sustainable improvements and management practices for years to come. Review the plan HERE. Please send your comments to PaintMinesMasterPlan@gmail.com by Wednesday, November 20.
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Quick Bits
Climate Data from the Beaver Creek Wilderness Study Area
The Fairplay Flume writes about how Wild Connections collected climate data from a 28,000+ acres Wilderness Study Area just south-southwest of Colorado Springs. Read HERE. (Learn more about Beaver Creek WSA HERE and trail information HERE)
Pike National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions & Emergency Recreational Shooting Closure Rescinded
Read more HERE.
Fishers Peak State Park Management Plan (Trinidad, CO)
Help shape the future of Fishers Peak State Park. The park's management plan is being created and public input is needed. Between now and the end of the month, there will be two meetings where you can provide input (one in person and one virtual). More information HERE.
How Social Media is Influencing our Interactions with Public Lands
The Utah Dispatch News covers the negative effects of social media in parks and the importance of "Responsible Exploration." Read HERE.
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Community & Volunteer Events | | | | |
