GOVERNOR POLIS OPENS FISHERS PEAK STATE PARK |
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In September 2019, Governor Polis announced the goal of providing a meaningful level of public access to the Fishers Peak property by 2021. On Friday, the Governor and Colorado Parks and Wildlife achieved that goal by opening the first trailhead at Colorado’s 42nd State Park a month ahead of schedule, providing initial public access to 250 acres of the property via three trails and a public picnic area. The iconic 9,633-foot Fishers Peak is the highest peak in the United States east of Interstate 25.
The Governor, state, and local officials held a ceremony opening the park on Friday afternoon. Additionally, the Governor purchased the very first Fishers Peak State Park day pass.
“I’m thrilled to open Fishers Peak State Park. Together, our administration and the local community are enhancing and protecting the Colorado way of life by ensuring future generations will be able to explore and experience our natural wonders,” said Governor Polis. “Outdoor recreation is an economic engine for Colorado and this park will help create good-paying rural jobs, protect our environment, preserve wildlife habitat, improve access to the outdoors and provide educational opportunities for children.”
“I want to thank The Nature Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, GOCO, Mayor Rico and the City of Trinidad, Las Animas County commissioners, state legislators, members of the community, stakeholders, and every person who worked so hard to make this happen,” Governor Polis concluded.
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“Colorado’s public lands are a core part of what makes our state so special, for both visitors and residents,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “Fishers Peak State Park will not only serve as an economic engine, but it will stand as a regional pillar – allowing locals to finally explore and enjoy this priceless open space for years to come.”
“Southern Colorado has a rich heritage, and we’re proud to protect and honor that by creating this wonderful new state park that will boost economic opportunity across our region,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I was proud to work across the aisle at the legislature to make this new state park a reality for Coloradans, visitors to our state, and future generations to enjoy and experience.
The property was purchased in February 2019 by The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Lands in collaboration with the City of Trinidad, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and transferred into state ownership in April 2020.
“Today is a historic day for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Coloradans and in particular the residents of Southern Colorado, “ said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources. “The opening of Fishers Peak State Park would not have been possible without the strong support of local governments, businesses, and unique partnerships with non-profit organizations, all coming together with a goal to permanently protect this special place. Colorado’s 42nd and second-largest State Park will ensure the residents of Southern Colorado have a first-class amenity and that the iconic Fishers Peak and its unparalleled wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities will be protected for future generations of Coloradans.”
This “sneak peak” opening of Fishers Peak State Park was only the first step in the multi-year process of providing access to the 19,200-acre property. CPW will continue to work with the local community and other stakeholders in the coming months on a master plan that will guide park development, including future amenities such as camping opportunities and a trail to the peak.
CPW has worked throughout the pandemic, dealing with record crowds at its parks and heightened demand for hunting and fishing, to get this corner of the property open so folks can experience a little of what Fishers Peak State Park will have to offer when all phases of design are completed and the park is fully open. Public meetings and surveys will play a role in the planning process moving forward because the State wants to build a park that serves Coloradans’ recreation needs.
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OUTDOOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS INITIATIVE |
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On Friday, the Governor also announced and signed an Executive Order establishing the Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative. This effort will chart a long-term, equitable and sustainable vision for the future of Colorado’s outdoors and outdoor recreation, as we face increasing strains on our lands, wildlife and infrastructure from a growing population and a changing climate. It will also provide for better local collaboration and leadership in creating and implementing this important state-wide vision for our outdoors.
CPW has opened a public process, seeking nominations of lands for new state parks. These could be private lands proposed by the current landowner for acquisition by the state, existing CPW lands or other lands owned by the state, or properties held by the federal or local governments that are potentially available for lease or acquisition by CPW.
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STAY SAFE IN THE VAST, GREAT OUTDOORS |
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Now more than ever before, Coloradans are turning to the outdoors to recreate and spend time with each other safely. Outdoor recreation has significantly less viral transmission than indoor recreation. While recreating outdoors or staying safer at home, the Governor encourages Coloradans to continue doing their part by:
- Wearing masks;
- Social distancing;
- Limiting personal gatherings to 10 people or fewer;
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Getting a free, quick, and easy COVID-19 test, if you are experiencing symptoms or may have been exposed; and
- Exploring the vast, great outdoors in a safe way.
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