The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) and Parks and Recreation departments will implement area closures beginning Saturday, March 15, to protect nesting osprey, burrowing owls, American bittern and northern harrier. No designated trails will be closed as part of this protective measure.
The following properties near the Boulder Reservoir, located at 5565 N. 51st St, will be closed from March 15 through Sept. 10, for the protection of osprey, American bittern and northern harrier:
- Northwest corner of the Boulder Reservoir, east of 51st Street. The Boulder Aeromodeling facility will remain open with modified flight restrictions;
- Axelson (northwest of the reservoir, west of 51st Street; portions of this property will be closed);
- Windsurfer’s Point (southwest reservoir wetland area);
- Coot Lake wetland immediately west of Coot Lake. The trail surrounding the wetland is open with voluntary leash recommendations in effect.
The following properties will be closed from March 15 through Oct. 31, for the protection of burrowing owls:
- Damyanovich / Yunker (north of Marshall Drive between Cherryvale Road and U.S. Highway 36);
- Cosslett / Knaus (south of Lookout Road and east of 75th Street);
- Jafay / Lynch (north of Lookout Road and east of 75th Street);
- Kelsall (north of High-Plains Trail, trail remains open);
- Mesa Sand and Gravel (east of 66th Street, south of Marshall Drive);
- Superior Associates (north of High-Plains Trail, which will remain open).
Trespass violations can result in a summons with penalties up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Closures may be lifted early if monitoring indicates it is appropriate. Areas are monitored by city staff and wildlife volunteers throughout the season. OSMP rangers patrol closed areas on a regular basis.
More detailed information and maps can be found on the Open Space and Mountain Parks’ website: www.osmp.org or call 303-441-3440. For additional information on Parks and Recreation areas, please visit www.boulderparks-rec.org or call 303-413-7200.