The developers of the proposed Shadow Mountain Bike Park in Conifer answered a wide range of questions on July 27 to provide information and to try to quell the mounting opposition to the proposal.
The virtual community meeting on July 27 hosted by developers Phil Bouchard and Jason Evans was attended by about 300 people who by the end of the night had put more than 600 questions and comments into the Q-and-A section. Because of the way the Zoom call was configured, attendees could not see the names of others on the call or the questions and responses.
The name is new but the questions from neighbors about a proposed 250-acre mountain bike park near Conifer remain the same.
How will Shadow Mountain Bike Park — formerly known as Full Send Bike Ranch — impact wildlife, traffic, water, wildfire danger and the tranquility of life in the foothills of Jefferson County?
For just more than two years, Phil Bouchard and Jason Evans have been formulating a plan to make their mountain bike dreams a reality: a small Front Range bike ranch with single lift access to good trails. The concept has been widely accepted by the mountain bike community, but the proposed location has been met with controversy.
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New story by CBS4 on the Shadow Mountain Bike Park. According to reporter Jamie Leary, the developers plan to submit their proposal by the end of September.
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There's a new case number assigned, but nothing uploaded yet.
Case Number: 23-101397SU
Address: 29611 Shadow Mountain Drive
Description: Special Use Application for Development of a day-use lift-served bike park as a Class III Commercial Recreation Facility.
permitsearch.jeffco.us/amandaItoI/Public...%20Mountain%20Drive/
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Live Informational Meeting to Discuss Critical Concerns about Proposed Bike Park on Shadow Mountain Drive, June 7
You are Invited to a Live Informational Meeting On a Critical Conifer Area Concern!
1. Learn about the Proposed Lift-Access Downhill Commercial Bike Park placing Shadow Mountain Drive and Conifer at Significant Risk.
2. What it would mean for nearby residents and the surrounding areas.
3. Gain information and share your concerns about:
· Extreme Wildfire Risks
· Overloaded EMS Due to Biker Injuries
· Increased Traffic means Increase in Car Crashes
· Permanent Loss of Habitat and Wildlife
· Drainage Disposal and Sewage Run Off
· How the proposal is not conformant with both existing and allowable land uses in Jefferson County, and current JeffCo land use plans such as the Conifer/285 Corridor Area Plan
· Permanent loss of a natural meadow and mountainside that define the reasons we live in the Conifer Foothills
Plus, a special presentation on the history of Shadow Mountain Drive
IN-PERSON
Wednesday, June 7, 6:00-8:00pm
Conifer Community Church
(next door to Ace Hardware on Barkley Road)
9998 Havekost Rd, Conifer, CO
Hosted by Stop the Bike Park
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A POWERFUL NIGHT!
PLEASE NOTE: This is intended to be an evening of educational presentations and discussion and not a debate forum of any kind. We are simply sharing what we believe, supported by solid research.
While this is an inclusive event, in no way do we want anyone to think that this will be an argumentative “I’m right, you’re wrong” platform. Thank you.
We've created a video to share info about the park, dispel some rumors, and talk about it's potential benefits to the Conifer area. But if you don't want to hear us talk about it, you can also hear directly from some local neighbors excited about the prospect of a dedicated bike park in the community.
What's the latest?
First off, we are excited to announce we are officially a member of the Conifer Chamber of Commerce! We couldn't be more excited to officially start our partnership with the Conifer Area. In fact, we've already started helping out by cleaning up trash along the highway. You can too! check with the Conifer Chamber of Commerce for upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Secondly,
As far as application progress goes.. we are still waiting for some materials from JeffCo Planning and Zoning. Once we receive that info back and can address any issues, we should be able to schedule the first hearing. We will send out announcements when those dates are set so hang tight!
Third,
We still have a few yard signs available! Let us know if you'd like to show your support in the neighborhood or let your friends know if you think they would. You may have seen some of your neighbors with signs up already, and it's great to see the positive voice out there. Help make this happen!
Lastly,
In our mutual quest to make more and better bike trails in Colorado, COMBA has recently opened a new bike only trail (as if you haven't heard already!). COMBA does more than anyone in the state for bike trails. So, if you take advantage of the amazing riding in Colorado, make sure you become a member and don't just be a mooch!
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The county has posted Agency Comments on the 3rd Referral for this project. You can find them by searching Jeffco.us>Planning and Zoning>Active Case Search>Case # 23-102980RZ>3. Review Process>3 Response to Applicant folder. What was uploaded on Monday is below.
www.jeffco.us/786/Planning-Zoning
My Mountain Town Community Calendar
- filter events by Category, date, or keyword to easily find events of interest. Add your community, church, or non-profit event to the calendar yourself! Click here
to access the submission form. Businesses: please contact us for more information on adding your events! Questions? Email
On June 2, 2024, My Mountain Town sat down with Jason Evans and Phil Bouchard of the Shadow Mountain Bike Park development to ask questions about their project, discuss community concerns, and learn more about why they are pursuing this project. They went over the Planning & Zoning process, how they modified their initial project proposal to address worries about traffic and wildfire evacuations, and explained why this project means so much to them and will help provide improved recreation experiences for all outdoor lovers/hikers/bikers/equestrians.
It's a long interview, but you'll find they provide in-depth, thoughtful, through answers and we hope you'll take the time to find out more before this special use proposal goes before the Jeffco Commissioners for a vote to approve or disapprove. Part 2 of the interview will be coming soon!
In a continuation from the Shadow Mountain Bike Park Interview Part 1 that was uploaded earlier, Jason Evans and Phil Bouchard discuss wildlife, misconceptions about what will happen to the meadow, the Colorado State Land Board Trust, funding and support they've received from folks in the community, and how to get involved in the project.
The hearings at Jefferson County to review this proposal and allow questions and community input are scheduled for September 11th and 12th before the Planning & Zoning Commission, and October 1st before the Board of County Commissioners for final approval or disapproval of the proposal. The public may submit letters regarding the proposal prior to the hearings, reference Case 23-102980RZ, by emailing the following:
Jeffco Planning & Zoning: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tracy Kraft-Tharp (District 1) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Andy Kerr (District 2) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lesley Dahlkemper (District 3) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
