We here in Southwest Colorado are lucky to have so much public land to recreate in no matter what season or activity we prefer. Many of us also feel grateful for the snow we have been getting this season, allowing many of our favorite winter activities and also promising a green spring and summer with plenty of runoff for the rivers and for irrigation.
The reality of deep snow and cold temperatures also affects the local wildlife, making their struggle through winter that much harder. We have been reminded by our wildlife specialists not to feed wildlife corn, hay, alfalfa, etc. There have also been articles in the paper and public service reminders about local public lands closures to protect vulnerable wildlife on their limited winter-range.
Specifically I would ask for locals to respect these closures in the Perins Peak Wildlife Area where it abuts the Overend Mountain Park on the northwest side of Durango. The popular trail (an extension of “Grabens Loop”) on the ridge between the gulch west of Hidden Valley Circle and “Slimy Gulch” (which also leads west towards Perins Peak proper) crosses this Wildlife Area boundary where there are several wooden posts (though no signs are posted there). Plenty of dog, ski boot, and bike tracks have been going on up the hill from there, probably stressing wildlife in their time of winter conservation. Many trail signs lower in Overend Park clearly show where this boundary is. Please contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the City of Durango, or the Public Lands Center for further questions regarding these critical closures.
Luckily there are many other trails and outdoor recreation opportunities close to or adjacent to town. Let’s give the wildlife a break and stick to those areas not closed by our public lands and wildlife managers.
Daniel Hinds
Durango
