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State of Growth: Pressure on Trails and Open Space

Posted at 10:00 PM, May 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-10 00:24:51-04

COLORADO SPRINGS – The state of growth in Colorado is impacting one of the main reasons so many people want to come here and stay. “We are known as Ultra-users,” said Colorado Springs Parks, Director, Karen Palus. Heavy use is putting pressure on the sustainability of public lands, trails and open space.

“If we don’t step in and step in, in a more formal way, it will get out of control,” said Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Executive Director Jennifer Peterson.

The pros who work to create and preserve open space are well aware that the number of Colorado locals is growing rapidly. Taking an anti-growth approach is not an option.

“You can either see it from a proactive, positive standpoint or you can sit around and complain about it, but either way it’s happening, said Palmer Land Trust, Conservation Director, Ed Roberson.