Seasonal Wildlife Closures to Begin February 1

Each year Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) uses seasonal wildlife closures at the parks to protect species at sensitive times in their life cycles. This year's seasonal wildlife closures will be implemented at five JCOS Parks.

Centennial Cone Park
Elk Range Trail at Centennial Cone Park, as well as the interior of the park, is closed from February 1 through mid-June to protect elk during their calving season. View MapAdobe Reader is required for viewing this document

Clear Creek Canyon Park
The area of Clear Creek Canyon Park near Mile Marker 270 is closed to all public use uphill of the US Highway 6 corridor from February 1 through July 31 to protect active golden eagle nesting territory. This closure encompasses the following rock climbing sites: Bumbling Stock, Stumbling Block, Skinny Legs, Blonde Formation and Ghost crag. The Fault Caves are also closed to visitation during this seasonal closure. View Map Adobe Reader is required for viewing this document

The area of Clear Creek Canyon Park, near Tunnel 2, is closed to all public use uphill of the US Highway 6 corridor from February 1 through July 31 to protect active golden eagle nesting territory. This closure encompasses the following rock climbing sites: Highlander, Evil Area and Tetanus Garden. View Map Adobe Reader is required for viewing this document

North Table Mountain Park
Rim Rock Trail at North Table Mountain Park is closed from February 1 through July 31 to protect active raptor nesting territory and ground-nesting bird habitat. View Map Adobe Reader is required for viewing this document

Cathedral Spires Park
Cathedral Spires Park is closed from March 1 through July 31 to protect active peregrine falcon nesting territory.

Crown Hill Park
The Crown Hill Park National Urban Wildlife Refuge is closed from March 1 through June 30 to protect nesting and brooding waterfowl. View Map Adobe Reader is required for viewing this document

Seasonal wildlife closures apply to all park visitors and all types of visitation. JCOS staff uses applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and guidelines as well as institutional knowledge of wildlife populations to delineate closure areas and time periods. Seasonal wildlife closures are put into place in response to conditions on the ground to protect sensitive species. JCOS Natural Resources staff and wildlife monitoring volunteers monitor local conditions during closures and adjust as needed. More information on seasonal closures

Violations of seasonal closures implemented to protect Bald or Golden Eagles may result in a fine of $100,000, imprisonment, or both. For more information on The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c), enacted in 1940, visit: www.fws.gov/midwest/midwestbird/eaglepermits/bagepa.html

JCOS Regulations Applicable to Closures:

C.5 Natural Resources Protection Closure: It shall be unlawful to enter, use or occupy Open Space lands, or any portion thereof, during the time such Open Space lands, or any portions thereof, are designated as Sensitive Areas, seasonal closures, wildlife protection closures, refuges, or other protected areas. Fine: $100.00

C.8 Destruction of Wildlife Habitat: It shall be unlawful for any person, or any pet under their custody, control, or ownership, to alter, damage, destroy, remove or in any other way vandalize wildlife habitat features on Open Space lands, including but not limited to, animal dens, burrows, dwellings, or nests. Fine: $150.00

C.20 Closed Areas: It shall be unlawful to enter, use or occupy Open Space lands, or any portion thereof, during the time such Open Space lands, or any portions thereof, are closed to entry, use, or occupancy. Fine: $50.00

To report active violations of closure areas, contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at: 303-277-0211

Jeffco Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972. Our mission is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources, and provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax, our organization contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 54,000 acres, and manages 28 open space parks and more than 230 miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado.


Matt Robbins
Community Connections Manager
303-271-5902
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.