CREATING A PLAN
Over the next two years, the O285 Partnership will be focused on implementing its 2021 Master Plan, building more partnerships throughout the region, and advancing both habitat conservation and trail-based outdoor recreation throughout the 285 corridor.
PROJECTS COMPLETED & IN-PROGRESS
Outside 285 Master Plan
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the South Platte Ranger District of the Pike National Forest (USFS-SPRD), and Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) led a regional planning effort focused on identifying opportunities for trail improvements and wildlife habitat conservation within public lands surrounding the US-285 corridor southwest of Denver. Intended to serve as a tool for public land managers, the Outside 285 Master Plan offers recommendations for habitat conservation, trail-based outdoor recreation, and management and maintenance.
Outside 285 Master Plan »
Executive Summary »
Master Plan Maps »
Outside 285 Habitat Analysis
The purpose of habitat analysis is to identify, prioritize, and map sensitive wildlife habitat within the Outside 285 study area. This information will be used to identify areas where trail and recreation development may be more or less suitable, and areas where additional conservation efforts would be beneficial. The planning team created two maps to summarize the habitat analysis findings. The Existing Disturbance Map documents the existing levels of disturbance and fragmentation within the Outside 285 study area, resulting from existing human uses and developments including highways and roads, homes and subdivisions, trails, trailheads, campgrounds, and commonly used social trails. The Habitat Sensitivity Map provides a visual illustration of the areas with the highest relative sensitivity and conservation priority. Highest priority habitats are shown with the darkest color, while lighter shades represent sensitive habitats of lower priority.
Indian Creek
The Indian Creek Working Group analyzed existing conditions within the Indian Creek area of the Pike National Forest. This work involved evaluating designated trails, non system social trails, and habitat disturbances. With the analysis in hand, the working group developed a conceptual plan for improving the trail system and habitat conditions. The draft plan calls for trail reroutes, trail closures, trailhead improvements, riparian corridor protection, and new trail linkages. Following further review and refinement by the O285 Partnership this spring, we will publish the conceptual plan here.
South Park Working Group
The South Park Working Group is evaluating how the O285 partnership can support land managers and nonprofits working in South Park. The group is currently mapping the proliferation of social trails in South Park and working closely with South Park Ranger District, Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative, CPW, and other partners to evaluate both trail-based recreation and habitat restoration opportunities.
