Jeffco open-space closures help people learn how to protect wildlife - #lakewoodnews

A hiker and her dog are walking along Rim Rock Trail in North Table Mountain Park. Along the way, the dog barks. She looks up to see an eagle fly overhead. A beautiful sight for the hiker, but little does she know that perhaps the eagle --; spooked by the barking --; fled its nest.

The hiker did not purposefully want to cause harm, but did so inadvertently, park officials say. If the eggs haven't yet hatched, the change in temperature from the mother abandoning her nest could be detrimental. If the baby eagles are left unattended, another raptor could prey on them.

That's why open space stewards say seasonal park closures exist --; to protect animals from human disturbances during sensitive times in their life cycles.

On Feb. 1, five Jeffco Open Space parks closed certain areas, including Rim Rock Trail, to protect the animals that live nearby.

The mission of Jeffco Open Space is to protect land and natural resources for future generations, said Randy Frank, Jeffco Open Space's natural resource management supervisor.

"Seasonal closures are important as more people come to the Front Range and humans impact the habitat," Frank said. Jeffco Open Space parks "are some of the last large remaining places for wildlife to nest and calve."

Most park visitors do respect the land, but may not know the best way to protect it, said Mary Ann Bonnell, visitor services supervisor at Jefferson County Open Space. "We're here to fill that gap."

Education goes a long way, Bonnell said.

"All the regulations are in place for something important," she said. "Nobody wants an eagle's nest to fail. The regulations are about helping people do the right thing to protect the land."

Seasonal closures have occurred in the parks since the late 1980s or early 1990s, said Thea Rock, Jeffco Open Space spokeswoman.

They are not meant to be a nuisance for people, she said. They benefit people in the long run. The landscaping itself is beautiful, and a wildlife sighting enriches the experience. The regulations "help protect the species that make the hikes more fun."

It's exciting to see people enjoying the parks, Bonnell said. There is an open space park for everyone --; from inner-city open space parks for those who want a leisurely stroll to parks that offer a challenging mountain bike experience.

And the animals are always the "superstars," she said.

"Wildlife creates a buzz. There's all this buzz when people see them, and there's all this buzz when people don't see them," Bonnell said, referring to the many animals that live in Jeffco Open Space parks. "If we help protect the animals, then we're being the land stewards we all want to be."

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